Torah Portion

Vayikra (and he called), Leviticus 1:1 – 5:26
God calls Moses into the newly constructed Tabernacle and instructs Moses on how offerings are to be done.  
“Speak to the Children of Israel and say to them:  When a man amoung you brings an offering to Hashem from animals – from the cattle or from the flock shall you bring your offering.”  Leviticus 1:2

The Delight is in the Details

When a man… The Hebrew for “man” here is “adam”, the name for man when considering him in the context of creation, compared to rocks, trees, fish, spiders, stars, etc.  “Human” would be a better translation and like “adam” includes both sexes (see its use in Genesis 1:27).  When considering  man and woman in the context of human society “ish” and “ishah” are normally used.  The use of “adam” is strikingly odd, but that’s just what God wants – He is telling all generations of Jews that their tabernacle is to be open to any and all humans, regardless of race, sex or religion, who wish to draw closer to God in that unique setting. 
…among you… This qualifier after the broad term for mankind applies only to the Jews.  Only Jews who are part of their community (typically at least nominally observant) are welcome.  Of course there’s always exceptions to the rule and numerous nuances of interpretation that provided much grace, but nonetheless it is there for the Jews only.  …brings an offering…  The Hebrew root for both words is “krav”, which means the intentional drawing closer to something or someone.  A classic use is in Psalm 145 “the Lord is close (krav) to all who call upon Him”.  A more literal translation might be, “comes near with a ‘come nearer’”.  Using the typical English words “sacrifice” and even “offering” imply appeasement of a god who will make our lives worse if we don’t provide the offering, or perhaps we may improve our situation by currying favor with the god.  These concepts are the most opposite of the truth and essence of this activity.  In fact, all activities in the tabernacle and its courtyard are for primarily getting closer to God.  
An offering is a way, but not the way, to get close to God.  In fact, God hasn’t allowed them for the past 2000 years.  What counts more and is a necessary prerequisite for an offering?  Prayer.  God delights and savors any communication we initiate with Him.  When appealing to God at the dedication of the temple, Solomon repeatedly emphasizes prayer and only obliquely refers to sacrifices once. (I Kings 8:27-50).  For Rebecca and Hanna, God heeded their prayers – not offerings.  Through Isaiah God tells us that His house will be a “house of prayer to all peoples”.  Through prayer (and no sacrifices) Moses lead Israel in successful repentance for the Golden Calf.
So stop now and talk to God.  Do it while you are still here and able to do so!

Back in the USSR

This joke was told in Russia during the Cold War era and may still apply today.
An American dog, a Polish dog and a Russian dog we chatting one day.  The American dog says, “When I bark enough my owner sometimes give me a piece of meat.”  The Polish dog says, “What’s meat?”.  The Russian dog says, “What’s bark?”.

Have a great week!
Neil