[JOI Word of Torah] Big Tent Judaism: Vayikra

[Kerry M. Olitzky]

"Big Tent Judaism" Word of Torah

 

March 15, 2008 / 8 Adar II, 5768

 

Vayikra

 

Blood. Entrails. Smoke. Fumes. And so we begin a new book in the Torah-one
that many would prefer to avoid since it focuses on the centrality of the
Temple cult. The Temple and its sacrificial systems are just too difficult
to access for many of us. When I imagine the Temple milieu as a bar-b-que
picnic of sorts with families gathered on special occasions, such as
holidays and other celebrations, then it is easier for me to grasp. It is
probably closer to the real experience for many. As much as we try to
understand the motivation of the ancients to use sacrifice as a way to get
closer to the divine it is still hard to grasp. Perhaps animal sacrifice is
used because the life source being exposed on the altar is our attempt to
connect to the Source of all Life. By contrast, a little choice grain shared
with the priests or tossed on the altar to be transformed into smoke as meal
offerings-which are included in this portion-are certainly easier to
consider. 

 

Although the rules put forth are complex, they are all background for the
essential message of this Torah portion. A call comes from Gd at the
beginning of the text. There is an acknowledgment that people transgress and
feel guilt about their actions. So Gd provides them with a path back-the
sacrificial system. 

 

No matter where people have traveled on their journey, we want to make sure
that we have helped to pave a road for them to return, to make their way
back into the community.  Likewise, the system also opens the doors for
those who would choose to enter for the first time. 

 

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Rabbi Kerry Olitzky is the author of many inspiring books that bring the
Jewish wisdom tradition into everyday life, and is, among other books, the
author of Introducing My Faith and My Community: The Jewish Outreach
Institute Guide for the Christian in a Jewish Interfaith Relationship
(Jewish Lights).

 

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You are welcome to use these ideas in your own work and writings as long as
you would be so kind as to credit Rabbi Kerry Olitzky and the Jewish
Outreach Institute, thank you.

 

 

 

 

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