SEDRA : Vayikra: 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.

THE HAPHTORAH HERTZ CHUMASH P. 424 Isaiah 43 - 21

The Prophet Isaiah deplores Israel's neglect of devotion to G-d, worship in general and has moved away from the days of the introduction of the Sacrifices - designed to draw Israel closer to its Maker. Yet G-d will forgive and again redeem them.

PURIM

Purim, observed on 14th Adar, commemorates the saving of the Jewish communities living under Persian rule from Haman's evil designs to exterminate them. It seems the events described in the book of Esther, took place about 450 B.C.E. The name Purim derives from the word pur - lottery, the method used by Haman to select the date for a general massacre of the Jews.
The sudden turn of events in the story of Purim which turned the tables on the oppressor has provided a spark of hope and encouragement to oppressed and victimised Jewish communities throughout the centuries.

FOUR OBSERVANCES
* The most prominent observance of Purim is to listen to the reading of the Scroll of Esther - the Megillah evening and morning. Both men and women are required to listen to the reading of the Megillah. Children should also be trained to attend the Synagogue to fulfil this duty.
Purim observances are based on the following passages : "And Mordechai wrote these things and sent letter to all the Jews ... to enjoin them that they should keep the fourteenth day of the month of Adar as days of feasting and gladness, and of sending portions one to another, and gifts to the poor. And the Jews took upon themselves... and upon their descendants, that they would keep these two days according to the writing thereof and according to the appointed time, every year". (Esther 9:20-23,27)
* A Festive family dinner Seudah should be held on Purim day fulfilling the directive that these be days of feasting (y'mai mishteh).
* Each person should "send portions" consisting of at least two items of food that may be readily eaten to several friends. This is called in Hebrew shalach manos or mishloach manot.
* Each person should give gifts (charity) to at least two poor people or worthy needy causes. Even a poor person who is himself a recipient of charity must give to others. "A person is required to drink on Purim until he does not know the difference between `cursed be Haman' and `blessed be Mordechai'" (Megillah 75). However one should not vulgarise his behaviour.

Although there is no prohibition of work on Purim one should nonetheless abstain from one's regular job on Purim day (if possible) and celebrate the holiday in the appropriate manner. The custom to hold parades, carnival-type celebrations and parties on Purim and the wearing of costumes and similar merrymaking, especially by the children, is a particularly popular form of Purim festivity.