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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.

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In Numbers chapter one, we read that Hashem commands Moshe to take a census of all men aged 20 years and older. These men would be counted as the men able to fight in Israel’s army.

In commanding this census, however, Hashem makes one caveat: absolutely zero Levites were to be numbered in the ranks of war-fighters. (Numbers 1:47-49).

The Levites, instead, were to be numbered in a different census, for a different type of warfare: spiritual warfare. Indeed, Hashem tells us that He has set aside the tribe of Levi to be His portion among all the Israelites (Numbers 3:5-16). The Levites are given the duties of:

1. Guarding the Tabernacle.

2. Guarding the Holy of Holies, where the Arm of the Pact (or Covenant) resided: meaning where Hashem dwelled.

3. Guarding all the Jewish people unto life by performing the daily sacrifices and burnt offerings.

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…

In Exodus 1:15-22, we learn of two Hebrew midwives named Shifrah and Pu’ah. Pharaoh could not stand that we, the Hebrew people, were prospering and growing despite the oppression and forced labor that he had laid on our ancestors’ backs.

So, Pharaoh ordered these women to kill any Hebrew male that was born, thinking that would wipe us out. However, in a brave act of defiance, these two Hebrew midwives “did not do as the king of Egypt ordered but let the boys live.” (Exodus 1:17).

The women’s reason: “the midwives were G-d fearing.” (Exodus 1:17).

Here, we see a prime example of the Proverbs 31 woman. When we Jewish women fear Hashem above all else, we can stand with courage in the power of Hashem. Despite threats, oppression, harsh labor, or any other tool or tactic that the enemy may use to try to break us down, shut us…

If you’ve read my story in the ABOUT section, you will know that part of my journey involved a sojourn through the church system. Thus, I know for a fact that in the church, it is a common misconception that Genesis 1:26 refers to “The Holy Trinity” making mankind in the Trinity’s image.

However, when we understand Hashem correctly, we can then understand Torah correctly. Here, when we read “let us make mankind in our image,” this does not mean that Hashem is more than one person or a “godhead” with multiple forms. Instead, the “us” refers to the other heavenly hosts who sit in a godly council with Hashem.

We can look to the Book of Job to understand what is going on. The angels go out and roam the earth to do Hashem’s will, then return to the place above “the dome” and check in with Hashem, the…