SEDRA : Vayikra Shabbat Hachodesh : Hertz Chumash p. 410 Leviticus Ch.1

This week's Sedra is generously sponsored by Noel Levin OAM.

SYNOPSIS:

The book of Vayikra - Leviticus introduces the sacrificial system to be performed in the now completed sanctuary.
The Hebrew word "KORBAN" (sacrifice) is based on the word "KAROV" meaning "near". Thus a Korban is a means of drawing near to G-d by supplicating for Divine forgiveness or expressing appreciation for Divine assistance.
The sacrificial system was confined to the Sanctuary and later the Temple. Following the destruction of the Temples (586 BCE and 70 CE) sacrifices were suspended. Prayers now serve some of the purposes originally covered by sacrifices.
The five principal Sacrifices which could be offered by an individual were:
*OLAH - literally "that which ascends". This was an offering completely consumed by fire on the Altar and expressed the intention of the person to >ascend= and completely devote their life to the service of G-d.
* MINCHA - gift offering, usually consisting of flour and often brought by people of modest means. It was usually brought in the afternoon, hence our afternoon services are called "Mincha". The meal-offering expressed the idea of consecrating one's work to the service of G-d.
* SHLAMIM - Based on the word "SHALOM"; a peace offering which also relates to the Todah or thanks offering. It is called a `peace offering' since it established a closer relationship with one's Maker. Only a small portion was burned, some portions were given to the Cohanim, and the rest was eaten by the offerer, his family and friends in a state of joy and gratitude.
* CHATAT - a Sin offering to atone for unintentional transgressions either by individuals, the High Priest, King or the Sanhedrin (High Court). The offering varied according to rank and means.
* KORBAN OLEH V'YORED - a sin offering the nature of which varied according to the means of the individual.
* ASHAM - Guilt offering as part of the penitence required for perpetrating certain improper acts. These included improperly using or appropriating, property of the Sanctuary unintentionally - ME'ILAH. Another form of the sacrifice related to `false dealings' with one's fellow man especially in cases of breach of trust.

SPECIAL MAPHTIR - HACHODESH HERTZ CHUMASH P. 253 Exodus Chap. 12

The Maphtir introduces the month of Nisan, month of redemption and is a major source of the laws of Passover.

THE HAPHTORAH - HACHODESH HERTZ CHUMASH P. 1001 Ezekiel Chap. 45 16

Ezekiel describes the Temple rebuilt in the "New Jerusalem" and makes particular reference to the Passover sacrifices. This continues the theme of the special Maphtir for Shabbat Hachodesh.

TELL ME RABBI ..... THE MONTH OF NISSAN

"This month shall be for you the beginning of months; it shall be the first month of the year for you" (Shemot 12:2)
The world was created in Nissan (Rosh Hashanna 11)
"This month shall be for you the beginning of months": The Jewish people consider Nissan as the first month, and all other months, the second, the third, etc., should be counted according to it. Each time we count the months, we also remember the miracle of the Exodus. This is why the months have no name in the Torah for example "the third month", "in the second year, in the second month, the cloud was lifted" (Bamidbar 10:11); "and on the first day of the seventh month" (Bamidbar 29:1), and so on with all the months.
In a similar way we remember the Sabbath day, by counting the days of the week in accordance to it. However, when reckoning years, we do not count from Nissan but from Tishre. (Ramban, Parshat Bo). The names "Tishre", "Nissan" etc. originated during the time of the Persian/Babylonian exile.

Nissan is the month of redemption. In this month our forefathers were redeemed from Egypt, and in this same month the Jewish people will eventually be redeemed again, hopefully soon in our days. In this month our forefathers Abraham, Yitzchak and Yaacov were born (according to Rabbi Yoshua's opinion), and the Mishkan (Tabernacle) was set up (Shemot 40:2). Also, the princes of each tribe brought their offerings for the dedication of the mishkan. (Rosh Hashanna 11).

CUSTOMS FOR THE MONTH OF NISSAN

During the time of the Bet Hamikdash, our sages established the rule to teach the people thirty days before any one of the three festivals regarding its laws, so from Purim onwards, we begin studying the laws of Pesach.
It is customary to omit those additional prayers which are mournful or supplicatory since Nissan is the month of redemption. This is also based on the fact that on the completion of the Mishkan on the first of Nissan the princes of the tribes began offering their korbanot (sacrifices) for the dedication of the altar, one prince each day, until the 13th of Nissan. Each prince made a celebration on the day of his offering.
On the eve of Pesach the whole of Israel rejoiced, as they all brought the Pesach offering. After this follow the eight days of Pesach. Except for the 13th of Nissan, which has no special event, and the last few days of Nissan, most of the month was spent in holiness. Thus the whole month is considered a `Yom Tov' a period of Joy.

KIMCHA D'PISCHA - "flour for Pesach"

It was customary to buy wheat to distribute among the poor before Pesach in order to enable them to have Matzot for the Festival. This custom is particularly apt for our Festival of Freedom when we recline and relax as a sign of prosperity. It is an affront to G-d, if at such a time we ignore the plight of those who are in need. Today various funds exist in Jewish communities to enable families in need to buy supplies required for Pesach and the Seder.
Congregants wishing to contribute locally should get in touch with Rabbi.