Vayikra

In this portion, we begin the Book of Leviticus. The last chapters of Exodus detailed the construction of the Mishkan, the portable wilderness sanctuary, and the designation of the priests who were to serve in it. Leviticus constitutes an instruction manual for the priests, as well as setting forth rules to achieve personal holiness and the sanctification of human life. The reading describes five main types of sacrifices that were to be brought: the burnt offering, the meal offering, the peace offering, the sin offering and the guilt offering. For each type, details are provided on the circumstances under which it is to be brought, who brings it and of what it consists. The Hebrew word translated a sacrifice or an offering is korban, from the root k-r-v, to draw near.  The offerings were a means of drawing near to God and, in a sense, drawing Him near to the offerer. Although we no longer offer sacrifices in the way our ancestors did, the goal of the system, to move one to a more Godly life, is still to be pursued.