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Home -> Vayikra -> 5784

נפש כי תחטא בשגגה מכל מצות ד' אשר לא תעשנה

Sruly Schnair
In 5784, Vayikra

When a person will sin unintentionally from among all the commandments of Hashem that may not be done. (4:2)

The Torah goes on to say that one who sins b’shogeg, unintentionally, must bring a korban, offering, to atone his sin. We wonder why one brings a korban for an action which he committed unintentionally, with no malice aforethought? Horav Moshe Soloveitchik, zl (V’Ha’Ish Moshe), compares this with one who is transporting inexpensive glassware. Since their value is negligible, he moves the glasses quickly without giving much thought to his endeavor. What is the worst thing that could happen? Some would break – nu – it is not the end of the world. If one were transporting expensive crystal or…

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Home -> Vayikra -> 5784

ויקרא אל משה

Sruly Schnair
In 5784, Vayikra

He called to Moshe. (1:1)

Ostensibly, the call to Moshe Rabbeinu emanated from Hashem. Was it only to Moshe? What about Klal Yisrael? Chazal teach (Tanchuma 2) that the call to Moshe came in a loud, thunderous voice, but only he heard it. Hashem’s voice is meant for those who are worthy of hearing it. Indeed, Hashem is constantly calling out to us with subtle messages, incidents which are meant to get our attention, to wake us up from our deep slumber and get our act together. We do not always recognize these incidents as being messages. We are so involved with our everyday, mundane…

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Home -> Vayikra -> 5784

ויקרא אל משה

Sruly Schnair
In 5784, Vayikra

He called to Moshe. (1:1)

Chazal (Vayikra Rabbah 7:3) say: “Why do they begin the teaching of Chumash to children with Toras Kohanim (Vayikra) and not with Bereishis? Since the children are pure, without sin, and the offerings are pure, it is, therefore, fitting that the pure should come and engross themselves in the study of that which is pure.” One should ask an intelligent person, one versed in pedagogy and proficient in the educational methodology for reaching a young child, captivating his interest for learning: From where should the child begin to learn? At what point should the lesson plan for teaching Chumash on…

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Home -> Vayikra -> 5783

אשר נשיא יחטא ועשה אחת מכל מצות ד' אלקיו אשר לא תעשנה בשגגה

Sruly Schnair
In 5783, Vayikra

When a ruler sins and commits one from among all the commandments of Hashem that may not be done – unintentionally. (4:22)

The other pesukim (addressing private and communal sin) begin with the logical v’im, if (someone sins). Concerning the Nasi, the Torah begins with the word asher, which means when (a Nasi sins). Why, concerning everyone else, it is “if” and regarding the Nasi, it is “when”? It is almost as if the Torah is implying that, for the Nasi, sin is inevitable. It is only a question of when it will occur. Rashi quotes the Sifra that teaches that the word asher alludes to ashrei, fortunate, implying that a generation whose leader sins and seeks atonement for his error is…

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Home -> Vayikra -> 5783

אדם כי יקריב מכם קרבן לד'

Sruly Schnair
In 5783, Vayikra

When a man among you brings an offering to Hashem. (1:2)

Korbanos are a medium for bringing one closer to Hashem. Hence, (we use) the term korban, which is connected to karov, near. The various korbanos comprised one aspect of the person’s atonement process. Once he recognizes and acknowledges his sin, states it and acts remorseful, he is now able to commence the journey toward penance and forgiveness. As part of the teshuvah process, he offers a korban which is sacrificed on the Mizbayach, Altar, with the understanding that, what takes place concerning the animal, really should have happened to him. The realization of the chasm created by his lapse in…

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Home -> Vayikra -> 5783

אדם כי יקריב מכם קרבן לד'

Sruly Schnair
In 5783, Vayikra

When a man among you brings an offering to Hashem. (1:2)

The underlying concept of korbanos, ritual offerings, is shrouded in deep, esoteric wisdom. The early commentators – such as Rambam, Ramban, Ibn Ezra – each presents his individual approach and opinion concerning the efficacy and purpose of korbanos. For our purposes, I will cite from the Ramban’s commentary to the beginning of the parshah: “Since the actions of humans are consummated through thought, speech and action, Hashem commanded that, when a person sins, he shall bring an offering. He shall place his hands on it, corresponding to the action component of his sin. Then he shall confess his sin, verbalizing…

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Home -> Vayikra -> 5781

אשר נשיא יחטא

Sruly Schnair
In 5781, Vayikra

When a ruler sins. (4:22)

Rashi explains the word asher, as related to ashrei, fortunate: “Praised/fortunate is the generation whose leader is bold/courageous enough to offer penance/korban/offering for his shegagah, inadvertent sin; kal v’chomer, how much more so, if he is prepared to show remorse/ regret over his willful sin.” It is a rare leader who does not conceal his error, who does not hide behind his exalted office, often denying that he committed an error in judgment or had a lapse in his spiritual relationship with Hashem, one who proclaims, Chatasi, “I have sinned.” This is unfortunately a rare phenomenon, but this alone is…

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Home -> Vayikra -> 5781

ואם זבח שלמים קרבנו

Sruly Schnair
In 5781, Vayikra

If his offering is a feast peace-offering. (3:1)

A Korban Shelamim is unique in that it is self-motivated, brought voluntarily, because a person has been moved to express his gratitude to Hashem for favors granted, and to enhance his closeness with Him. Shelamim is derived from shaleim, wholeness, perfection and shalom, peace. It increases good will, since so many people – the Kohanim, the family and friends of the donor – participate in its consumption. Ramban focuses on the relationship of the Shelamim with sheleimus, wholeness. He observes that the donor who offers a Shelamim is doing so freely, not to atone for an infraction on his part….

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Home -> Vayikra -> 5781

אשה ריח ניחוח לד'

Sruly Schnair
In 5781, Vayikra

A satisfying aroma to Hashem. (1:9)

The service comes to its conclusion as the aroma of the offering rises up in smoke to Hashem. This pleases Hashem because, as Chazal (Sifra, cited by Rashi) explain, “I have spoken, and My will has been carried out.” Hashem certainly is not into aroma, nor does He require offerings. We do not understand the esoteric rationale behind korbanos, offerings. We do understand, however, that when Hashem commands – we respond by executing to His will. What could be more pleasing than having one’s will carried out to perfection. Indeed, the Talmud (Menachos 110a) teaches: “The term ishei reiach nichoach…

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Home -> Vayikra -> 5780

ואם נפש אחת תחטא בשגגה מעם הארץ

Sruly Schnair
In 5780, Vayikra

If an individual person from among the people of the land shall sin unintentionally. (4:27)

The sin-offering of a yachid, individual, which is brought for an inadvertent sin (for a mitzvah whose intentional prohibition carries the punishment of Heavenly excision, kares), is always a beast (female goat or sheep) and does not vary up and down (oleh v’yoreid) according to the wealth or poverty of the one who sinned.  The Sefer HaChinuch explains the shoresh ha’mitzvah, root of the commandment, as in all korbanos, to abase and bring the sinner to humility over the sin which he committed.  As Shlomo HaMelech says in Mishlei (16:18), “Pride precedes destruction, and arrogance comes before failure.”  Humility is…

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