Shabbat Shalom! We at Beit Torah ask what shall we sacrifice today?:

Shabbat Parashat VaYikra 5785; Today’s Sacrifices and Offerings;

VaYikra 1:1-5:26; Isaiah 43:21-44:23

 

VaYikra, Leviticus, the handbook for the Priests to study

Tells how to expiate or celebrate when learned with a buddy…

 

Details were given on how sacrifices were to be prepared...

Since offerings are no more, we will now give just a brief report:

No blood nor fat from organs nor any entrails were to be used;

Frankincensed fried, boiled or baked grain without leaven - part for Priests’ use;

For offerings of celebration, atonement, or gratitude.

Expiation was given for the sins and guilt of those who cared

But criminals gave no offerings unless compelled by the Court.

Maybe repayments were required although full forgiveness came up short…

 

How to prepare offerings specific to each reason was told:

Such as refusing to witness, contact with nidah* or death,

For well being, prayers for peace, words of thanks, betrayal of trust,

For blasphemous oaths, reparations after repayment as must.

Plus, Priests were taught words to celebrate or expiate with each breath.

 

Considered about sins was whether in fault there was intent

[For if unwittingly the sin, reparations could be done

Then followed by forgiveness from HaShem* that still could be won!]

Or whether it be to defraud, rob, or illegally take;

Whether it was individual sin or a community bent

On unethical practices for their gross selfish needs to slake…

 

It is said all leaders cannot avoid sinning and must atone.

Forgiveness, atonement, whether as a group or being alone -

Hasidim says Gates of Heaven are closed to those who do not heed...

Sages such as Rambam or Abravanel said we do not feed

Sacrifices to G!d. So, not to confuse folk, they are no more.

Rather, with prayers and good deeds, HaShem we honor and adore!

 

How can we separate the historical from the practical for use today?

*Nidah- impurity such as from a woman’s menses

HaShem – the Holy One, literally: the [Holy] Name

Shabbat Shalom! Be safe!

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If it is also Shabbat Zachor, then add these two lines at the end:

 

We know Amalek comes in many forms. Hence this we must recall:

To oppose Amalek’s rise to power or else we all will fall…

 

Haftorah from Isaiah 43:21-44:23

 

So said Isaiah of HaShem's view of his time

As he addressed the People who were out of line:

"Disdain of my ways has you abandoning me.

Your sins have mounted up. Deceitful are your pleas.

So I distance from you now, knowing you'll return

To be redeemed by me, none other, whom you spurned.

Against me the works of your hands can not compete.

When I redeem you, with thanks you'll loudly praise me!"

 

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