Let’s See What We Have To Offer…

Vayikra (Leviticus) is famous for the ability to hide sometimes – the laws, instructions, and repetitions that wrapped up Exodus continue in the third book of the Torah. There are a few verses that are easy to remember – like the one about loving your neighbor – and a slew that are easily forgotten. However, much like the repeated instructions at the end of Exodus, the laws and teachings of Leviticus continue to establish and reinforce the nation of Israel.

This week, G!d gives instructions for various offerings. These would come to be the central worship activity in the Tabernacle and Temple, the centerpiece now replaced by the Amidah in our own avodah (literally, service – serving G!d through offerings, worshipping G!d through prayer and actions). Each offering represented a part of a communal and individual relationship with G!d – offering back parts of the gifts of food and drink, thanking the Creator, expressing guilt and doing teshuvah (repentance), and expressing goodwill and peace. These offerings were specific, and we have sought to replace them with words of liturgy throughout the centuries.

G!d wants our worship, gifts, devotion, and love. In Leviticus, these were expressed through offerings. How can we continue to express these elements of our relationship with G!d today?

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Purim is almost here! I’m excited to hear the megillah and celebrate a fun holiday with my shul! I’ll be playing klezmer and Jewish and Israeli folk songs with the shul band this year. I’m also hosting a satirical Purim Seudah with a friend, and I can’t wait for the laughter, togetherness, and celebration of G!d’s turning the world upside down to save the Jews.

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Komps kaos is dragging a bit – I am still reading, but not loving the work as much right now. Hopefully I will get back into the swing of things this week. I am looking forward to Purim!