|
This
Week In The Torah
Parsha Vayikra
Vayikra Ch.1/1 - 5/26
An Offering He Can't Refuse
by Rabbi Yechezkel Fox
He shall wash its innards and its feet with water; and the Kohen shall cause it all to go up in smoke on the Altar - an elevation-offering, a fire-offering, a satisfying aroma to G-d. Ch1/9
The Sages point out that the same phrase, a satisfying aroma to G-d, is used not only here, where an expensive animal has been brought for the elevation-offering, but also where a bird is used(1/17), and even for just a handful of flour(2/2). This teaches us that it makes no difference how much or little you bring (as long as it's in accordance with one's means) as long as one sets his heart to do it for the sake of G-d.
We all can learn a great lesson from this. For the more advanced: even though they are already accustomed to doing many mitzvot (commandments), they should remember to have intent to do them for the sake of G-d and not just by rote. For beginners in Judaism: they shouldn't feel as though their service to G-d is inferior to others who are more advanced. Providing one is doing one's best according to one's situation in life, it gives pleasure to G-d.
* * * * *
The Feathers of the Poor
by Rabbi Yechezkel Fox
He shall tear it apart - with its feathers - he need not divide it; the Kohen shall cause it to go up in smoke on the altar, on the wood that is on the fire - it is an olah offering, a fire-offering, a pleasing fragrance to G-d. Ch.1/17
This is part of the description of the procedure of a bird offering. Today, when we have no Temple, one might think it has no relevance to us. However, all the laws of the Torah have multiple levels of meaning that contain timeless lessons.
Rashi comments on this verse: 'Along with its feathers' refers to actual plumage. But is it not true there is no ordinary person who smells the harsh smell of burning feathers without becoming nauseated by it? Why did the Torah say 'he shall cause it to go up in smoke'? In order that the altar should be full and beautified with the offering of a poor man.
The offering of a bird is only brought by poor people who cannot afford the price of an animal. But since it is not the offering itself that G-d is interested in, but rather the self-sacrificing attitude with which it is brought, G-d willingly accepts it---even the feathers!
So too, when a person gives tzeddakah (charity): even though there is a purpose in the recipient being helped, the importance of the giving before G-d lies in the willingness and self-sacrifice of the one giving. So even if a person who can only afford to give a very small donation, but he gives it with a full heart, it will be considered by G-d as though he gives a million dollars.
Sources: Rabbi Moshe Sternbach - Ta'am VeDas
This
Week In The Torah's archive
Back
to the current E-geress issue
|