All Sacrifices, All the Time

Parashat Vayikra
Leviticus 1:1 - 5:26

Vayikra begins with God instructing Moses to describe the various sacrifices to the Israelites. The five types of sacrifies are: a burnt offering (olah), the meal offering (mincha), the sacrifice of well-being (zevach shelamim), the sin offering (chatat), and the guilt offering (asham).

Olah, literally meaning "that which goes up," is characterized by burning the entire animal upon the altar except for the hide. The mincha offering consists of unleavened choice flour. A portion of it was to be burned on the altar and the remainder given to Aaron and his sons. All mincha offerings must contain salt.

An unblemished cow, sheep, or goat could serve as the offering for the sacrifice of zevach shelamim. An ordinance states that all the fat on the sacrificial animal belonged to God. Additionally, a prohibition against eating any fat or blood is included here.

These three types of sacrifices are voluntary and not brought for atonement. The chatat and the asham are both obligatory upon guilty individuals.

The chatat is to be brought by an individual or community which, unintentionally, commits a sin regarding any of the commandments. The specific offering to be brought was determined by one's economic condition. An anointed priest and the community are both directed to sacrifice unblemished bulls for the chatat. A chieftain sometimes referred to as a tribal chief is to bring a goat. A person from among the populace is to offer a goat or a sheep.

Four additional transgressions are described as requiring a chatat offering: (1) failure to come forward to testify, (2) touching an unclean animal or carcass, (3) coming in contact with human uncleaness, and (4) failure to fulfill an oath. For these transgressions, the offering, depending on the financial means of the transgressor, can be: a female sheep, a goat, two birds, or choice flour.

The asham offering is to be brought by an individual who had sinned by committing robbery or fraud. The penalty for such a crime is to restore the owner the item stolen, plus an additional one-fifth of its value, and then to bring a ram or its equivalent in money as a sacrifice. The asham also applies to the individual who has unwittingly sinned regarding God's sacred things.

The text describes the procedures for the people and the priests to follow for each of these sacrifices and the part of the sacrifice which is to go to Aaron and his sons.

Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat table:

• All of the sacrifices described in this parasha are sacrifices that were performed only through the time in which we had both of the Holy Temples in Jerusalem - once the second Temple was destroyed in 70 CE, Jews could no longer perform these sacrifices. The rabbis decreed that prayer, Torah study and acts of loving kindness replace sacrifices. When have you participated in prayer? In Torah Study? In acts of loving kindness? How do these things move you closer to God?
• Some of the offerings were given when the Israelites did not do their best, or when they made a big mistake - giving the animal to God was a way of saying they would do better next time. Think of a time when you hurt someone’s feelings or did something wrong. How did you earn forgiveness? Did you have to give something back? Did you have to replace something? 
• Do you pray to God? What kinds of things do you tell or ask God in your prayers?
• While it is possible to pray anywhere, what advantages do you think there are to attending services and praying at a synagogue?

Your weekly animated bit of Torah:

Wrapping up Exodus

Parshat Pekudei 
Exodus 38:21 - 40:38

Pekudei begins with an account of the materials used in the making of the Tabernacle. Bezalel and Oholiab create robes for the priests and special vestments for Aaron: the ephod, the breastplate, the robe for the ephod, and the frontlet, according to the pattern and the command of God to Moses.

When Moses sees that the work of the Tabernacle is complete, he blesses the congregation. Then God tells Moses to erect the Tabernacle of the Tent of Meeting on the first day of the first month and to place in it all of its specially crafted furnishings. Moses then anoints Aaron and his four sons as God commanded him.

When Moses has finished the work, the cloud of God fills the Tabernacle. When the cloud is lifted from the Tabernacle, it is a signal to the Israelites to break camp and begin to travel. But if the cloud is not lifted, they would not set out. Throughout the journeys of the Israelites, a cloud of Adonai is present by day and a fire by night.

Synopses are courtesy of Teaching Torah, by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden

For your Shabbat table:

• During the exodus from Egypt and the subsequent wandering in the desert, God often appears to the Israelites as a cloud - this happens again during Pekudei when a "cloud of God" fills the Tabernacle. What do you think a cloud of God would look like? When you try to imagine God, what does God look like?
• In this parsha we see the beautiful clothing worn by the priests, described in great detail.  When might you wear fancy clothes?  How do you make you feel?  Why do you think the priests had a special uniform?
  
  

Take a look at this week's Torah cartoon:

Bring What Moves You

Parshat Vayakhel 
Exodus 35:1 - 38:20)

Moses assembles the Israelites and reminds them of the commandment to observe the Sabbath as a day of rest. He further instructs them to kindle no light on Shabbat.

Then Moses reviews God's instructions concerning the building of the Tabernacle and calls upon the people to bring gifts to be used in its construction. He appoints Bezalel and Oholiab to be the chief artisans in the work of constructing the Tabernacle and to supervise the other skilled crafts people who will contribute to the building.

The Israelites respond to Moses' call for gifts, bringing so many riches that Moses has to proclaim that enough materials has been donated.

The skilled artisans make the cloth covering and the goat's hair tent over the Tabernacle, and they make the curtain, as well as the screen for the entrance to the Tabernacle.

Bezalel makes the gold covered Ark of acacia wood and the cherubim on the Ark cover. He makes the table for the bread of display and the seven branched menorah. Bezalel also makes the altars and the copper washbowl and stand.

For your Shabbat table:

• During the exodus from Egypt and the subsequent wandering in the desert, God often appears to the Israelites as a cloud - this happens again during Pikuday when a "cloud of God" fills the Tabernacle. What do you think a cloud of God would look like? When you try to imagine God, what does God look like?
• In Parshat Vayakhel, Moses gathers together the Israelites and reminds them of the commandment to observe Shabbat. How do you observe Shabbat in your family?
• We read a description of the two talented artisans charged with constructing the  Tabernacle, Bezalel and Oholiab. In order to be chosen for this very esteemed task, they must have been quite skilled in their craft. In what areas are you talented?
• The description of the decoration of the tabernacle is very detailed.  Do you think it is important for a special place like the tabernacle to look a certain way?  How might you decorate a place that is important or special?

Enjoy your Torah toon!

When You Take a Census

Ki Tisa
Exodus 30:11-34:35

Summary of the Parasha:

• Moses takes a census of the Israelites and collects a half-shekel from each person (30:11-16)
• God tells Moses to construct a water basin and to prepare anointing oil and incense for the ordination of the priests.  Bezalel and Oholiab, skilled artisans, are assigned to make objects for the priests and the Tabernacle. (30:17-37:11)
• The Israelites are instructed to keep Shabbat as a sign of their covenant with God.  God gives Moses the two tablets of the Pact. (31:12-18)
• The Israelites ask Aaron to build them a Golden Calf.  Moses implores God not to destroy the people and then breaks the two tablets of the Pact on which the Ten Commandments are written when he sees the idol.  God punishes Israelites by means of a plague. (32:1-35)
• Moses goes up the mountain with a blank set of tablets for another 40 days so that God will again inscribe the Ten Commandments.  Other laws, including the edict to observe the Pilgrimage Festivals, are also revealed. (34:1-28)
• Moses comes down from the mountain with a radiant face. (34:29-35)

Questions for your Shabbat Table:

1. One of the rules explained is that decorations in our holy places should not include images of people.  What kinds of images do you see in your sanctuary or chapel?
2. While the Israelites waited for Moses, they got nervous and asked Aaron to make an idol for them to worship.  Why do you think it was easier for them to pray to something they could see?
3. It says that when Moses came down from the mountain, he had a "radiant" face.  What do you think that looks like?  Why do you think his face looked that way?

Time for your weekly Torah cartoon!

Looking Your Very Best

Parshat Tetzaveh
Exodus 27:20 - 30:10

In this portion, Moses is further told to instruct the Israelites to bring olive oil for lighting the lamps of the Tabernacle. The lamps, which are to be the responsibility of Aaron and his sons, are to burn from evening to morning for all time. Moses is told to ordain Aaron and his sons as priests.

The priests are to be adorned in special clothes. All the priests are to wear four garments - linen breeches, tunics, sashes, and turbans. In addition to these four articles, the High Priest (Aaron) is to wear a special robe of pure blue decorated at the hem with pomegranates and golden bells. Over this robe, the ephod - an apron-like layer woven of gold, blue, purple, and crimson - is to be worn. The breastplate, inlaid with precious stones and the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, is to be worn by the High Priest over the ephod. The eighth special item in the High Priest's dress is a gold plate engraved with the words "Kodesh LaYHVH" (Holy to Adonai) that is to be tied with a blue cord to the front of his turban.

The priests are to be ordained in a special ceremony which first involves washing, dressing, and anointing them with oil, and secondly, the offering of various sacrifices. These ceremonies are to be repeated for seven days.

The priests are to bring offerings twice daily to the altar in the Tabernacle. Further, they are to burn incense on an altar to be constructed especially for that purpose.

(Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden)

Questions for your Shabbat table:

• The word tetzaveh means to "instruct" or to "command" - why do you think the Torah is so specific in the descriptions of the Tabernacle (in last week's portion) and the dress code for the priests (in this week's portion)?
• In ancient days, being a Kohein - a priest - was a major Jewish job. What are some of today's Jewish jobs?
• According to the descriptions in the Torah (and this portion), the priests had very elaborate and fancy clothes to wear. What are some of your favorite outfits to wear when you want to dress up? For what special occasions do you wear those clothes?
• Read the descriptions of the priestly clothing. How are they similar to how we adorn our Torah scrolls?

M-M-M-Mishkan

Parshat Terumah
Exodus 25:1 - 27:19

In this portion, God instructs Moses to accept gifts from the Israelites. These are to be used in constructing a sanctuary so that God can dwell among the people. Acceptable gifts include precious metals and stones; tanned skins; blue, purple, and crimson yarns and linen; and special oils and spices.

God shows Moses the pattern according to which the mishkan (the Tabernacle) and its contents are to be made. First to be made is an Ark of acacia wood, overlaid both inside and out with gold. The Ark is to be fitted with gold rings and gold covered poles to make it portable. The tablets of the law (which God will give Moses) are to be kept in the Ark. Two gold cherubim are to be placed facing each other over the cover of the Ark.

The Ark is to be house in the innermost chamber of the Tabernacle, called the Holy of Holies.

God describes the construction of the Tabernacle to Moses in great detail. The entire structure is to be portable, with a wooden framework, and walls of richly covered fabric.

Inside the Tabernacle, next to the Holy of Holies, is to be a second room called the Holy place, which will contain a table overlaid in gold with the bread of display set on it, and a seven-branched menorah also wrought of gold work.

In the court of the Tabernacle, an altar is to be constructed with horns of copper at each corner, and the courtyard itself is to be 100 cubits long by 50 cubits wide, fenced in with fine twined linen on silver filleted poles with hooks of silver and sockets of brass.

(Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden)

Questions for your Shabbat table:

• Terumah, the name of this week's portion, refers to the "gifts" that the Israelites were each supposed to contribute to the building of the Tabernacle. What is the best gift you ever received? What is the most important gift you have ever given? What made each gift so special?
• During the building of the ark, each person was supposed to contribute something to the project. Why do you think this was mandatory? How would the project be different if everyone could choose whether or not they wanted to participate?
• The mishkan, the Tabernacle, was the special worship place the Israelites built in the wilderness. What is your family's worship place? What makes it special?
• The mishkan is a special place for God to dwell, and it was decorated very beautifully in order to honor God. How would you design a beautiful place for God? What would you include? Are there elements found in the description of the mishkan that are reflected in the sanctuary in your synagogue?
  
  

This week's Torah cartoon:

Laying Down the Law

Parshat Mishpatim
Exodus 21:1 - 24:18

In this portion, Moses sets before the Israelites the following groups of rules:

1. The rules concerning slaves: The Israelites are permitted to retain slaves, but they must always bear the dignity of the slave in mind. Hebrew slaves are to be freed after six years of service, or immediately if their owner willfully injures them. A slave who does not wish to leave a master shall have an ear pierced and remain a slave for life.
2. Certain crimes are punishable by death: Among these are murder, kidnapping, and insulting one's parents.
3. The laws detailing the responsibilities incurred by the owner of an ox: The owner of an ox which is known to have previously injured or killed another person or animal is to be punished along with the animal. The owner of an ox which causes death or injury just once does not incur punishment, although the ox must be stoned or sold in restitution for its actions.
4. Rules and penalties for theft and lending.
5. Certain laws pertaining to the Israelites remaining a holy people are presented. Among these are reminders not to curse God and to dedicate to God firstborn sons and cattle and the first fruits of a tree. Other laws pertaining to holiness including prohibitions against eating flesh torn by wild beasts and against boiling a kid in its mother's milk.
6. In the Sabbatical year, the land is to lie fallow or rest. The commandment to rest on the seventh day follows.
7. The observance of the three festivals - the Feast of Unleavened Bread (Passover), the Feast of the Harvest (Shavuot), and the Feast of the Ingathering (Sukkot) - is prescribed. All males are commanded to present themselves before God at those times.

In addition, the principle of just restitution for damages is stated (lex talionis, an "eye for an eye," etc.). The slavery of the Israelites in Egypt is recalled to remind the people not to mistreat strangers, widows, and orphans in their midst.

God tells Moses than an angel will lead the Israelites through the desert to Canaan. God promises to destroy all the peoples whose path the Israelites cross, so that the Israelites will not be tempted to worship the gods of other nations.

Moses repeats all the rules to the people and then writes them all down. Offerings are made to seal the covenant with God and the people accept the law saying, "All the things the Lord has commanded we will do."

The mountain is covered by the presence of God (the cloud) for six days. On the seventh day, God calls Moses to ascend and Moses goes up the mountain and remains there for 40 days and nights.
(Synopsis courtesy of Teaching Torah by Sorel Goldberg Loeb and Barbara Binder Kadden)

For your Shabbat table:

• This portion describes many different laws that the Israelites should follow. One of them tells us to behave for our parents and not insult them. Have you ever used mean or cruel words towards your parents? Why? Were you punished? How did you make it up to them? Why do you think the Torah includes a law that says one must be punished for insulting his/her parents?
• Some of the laws described in Parshat Mishpatim have to do with the responsibilities we have over ourselves and our belongings. What are some of the responsibilities you have?
• Towards the end of this week's portion, it says that the mountain is covered by the presence of God, which is described as a cloud. How do you picture God? If you were in God's presence, what would that be like?
• There are 613 commandments found in the Torah (in addition to the Ten Commandments we read in last week's Torah portion) - of those 613, 248 are "positive" (which means they tell you what to do - Keep the Shabbat...) and 365 are "negative" (which tell you what NOT to do - Do not murder, do not covet...). Which do you think are more effective - positive or negative commandments? Are one type easier to obey than others?

This week's Torah cartoon: