Leviticus

Parsha Vayikra Study

(Leviticus 1:2) Animal Sacrifice: "WHEN" not "IF" or "YOU SHOULD"

In a previous commentary about the Laws, Torah, and Genesis, it was taught that Torah was given to the world before it was given to the Jewish people on Mount Sanai. Indeed, Hashem declares through King Solomon in Proverbs that His Holy Wisdom was the first thing created in the entire universe.

This holy wisdom of Hashem is seen in Genesis 3 as the "Tree of Life"--imagine a tree of nothing but Torah Scrolls!

Adam and Havah were not prevented from eating from this Tree of Life. Indeed, they were allowed to eat of it and every other tree besides the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Thus, at the outset of creation, there was utter peace between Hashem and all of creation because everyone (and everything) kept Hashem's mitzvot. This peace and harmony changed, however,…

Parsha Vayikra Study: The Seder (Order) of The Burnt Offerings

Like the Passover Offering, the Burnt Offerings have a Seder, or specific order, in which the tasks must be performed. When performed correctly, seemingly, LIFE is the outcome for the Jew bringing the offering.

The Seder (Order): Burnt Offerings

1. Fire is placed on the altar

2. Wood is placed on top of the fire

3. The animal sections are laid on the wood (v. 12)

Parsha Vayikra Study: Burnt Offering Specifics

1. Burnt Offering (From Herd): Bull (vv. 3 & 5)

1. Male​

2. Without blemish

3. Slaughtered before the LORD.

4. Blood is dashed on all 4 sides of the altar.

In Leviticus chapter 2, we read about the grain (or meal) offerings that are commanded to be brought to Hashem by us, His Jewish people.

When we study passages such as Jeremiah 2:3, we understand that we, the Jewish people, are the first-fruit of Hashem’s harvest. When we look at Leviticus 2 through such a lense of truth, we can understand that instead of offering ourselves (or any human being) in the fires of Hashem’s altar, Hashem commands a “substitute “—the “ram in the bush,” if you will (Genesis 22)—to be burned in our place “as a pleasing aroma to Hashem.

Just as the first-born son is consecrated to Hashem, or the Levites consecrated in place of the first-born sons (Numbers 3:40-50), so grain is consecrated on behalf of every Jew here in Leviticus 2.

The grain is to be offered “with oil”—meaning, the grain is anointed, like a priest…