A Thought On Parshas VaYikra
A Thought On Parshas VaYikra
"...v'nefesh ki takriv korban mincha..."
"...and any soul who brings forth a meal offering..." (2:1)
In introducing the array of sacrificial offerings which were brought in the Holy Temple, the Torah discusses here the mincha or meal offerings, and the people ("souls") who brought them.
There are three properties which highlight these forms of offerings, which are not always found among the animal sacrifices. The mincha was kadosh kadoshim (the highest order of sanctity in the Temple); it could never be eaten by someone who was not a kohen; it was made of grain meal, a relatively inexpensive commodity, in contrast with a costly cow or lamb.
It follows, then, that the menachos (plural of mincha) were typically brought by the poor people. Whereas a wealthy man or woman might be able to afford a large animal to be brought as an offering, the destitute would at best be able to manage a small amount of grain. The grain would be brought for preparation, and a portion of it used as an offering. It was treated with great care and delicate sanctity, for it was classified at the highest strata of kedusha. Its remnants were bestowed only unto to kohanim, the priestly order who served in the Temple.
The Bechor Shor writes that the Torah relates here an enduring lesson. The Holy One, may He be blessed, is the great Majesty and Master of the Universe, yet He values the simple ones, the poor ones, who reach for Him. His Majesty includes the attribute of humility, which we must learn to emulate - by accepting the poor man's meal offering, it is as if He is "reaching down" to meet the lowly man who reaches up. HaShem values the service of the poor ones, and values their meager offerings.
The Bechor Shor adds that when Jews are commanded to offer charity to the poor, it is not because HaShem needs us to care for them. Were He only to want them cared for, He would shower them with wealth. Rather, we are granted the mitzva of being generous and showing kindness. We emulate His ways by reaching forth and reaching out when others reach up to us.
Good Shabbos. Chodesh Tov. D Fox
"...v'nefesh ki takriv korban mincha..."
"...and any soul who brings forth a meal offering..." (2:1)
In introducing the array of sacrificial offerings which were brought in the Holy Temple, the Torah discusses here the mincha or meal offerings, and the people ("souls") who brought them.
There are three properties which highlight these forms of offerings, which are not always found among the animal sacrifices. The mincha was kadosh kadoshim (the highest order of sanctity in the Temple); it could never be eaten by someone who was not a kohen; it was made of grain meal, a relatively inexpensive commodity, in contrast with a costly cow or lamb.
It follows, then, that the menachos (plural of mincha) were typically brought by the poor people. Whereas a wealthy man or woman might be able to afford a large animal to be brought as an offering, the destitute would at best be able to manage a small amount of grain. The grain would be brought for preparation, and a portion of it used as an offering. It was treated with great care and delicate sanctity, for it was classified at the highest strata of kedusha. Its remnants were bestowed only unto to kohanim, the priestly order who served in the Temple.
The Bechor Shor writes that the Torah relates here an enduring lesson. The Holy One, may He be blessed, is the great Majesty and Master of the Universe, yet He values the simple ones, the poor ones, who reach for Him. His Majesty includes the attribute of humility, which we must learn to emulate - by accepting the poor man's meal offering, it is as if He is "reaching down" to meet the lowly man who reaches up. HaShem values the service of the poor ones, and values their meager offerings.
The Bechor Shor adds that when Jews are commanded to offer charity to the poor, it is not because HaShem needs us to care for them. Were He only to want them cared for, He would shower them with wealth. Rather, we are granted the mitzva of being generous and showing kindness. We emulate His ways by reaching forth and reaching out when others reach up to us.
Good Shabbos. Chodesh Tov. D Fox
posted by Rabbi Dr. Fox at 9:55 PM
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