Welcome to the short, practical Lelamed Weekly Dvar (and future Daily Aliya). Please consider forwarding this to others, and I hope you enjoy... Shabbat Shalom and Chag Sameach. _______________________________________________ Dvar Torah for Tzav 5th Aliya As the priests are inducted at the Mishkan’s (Tabernacle) inauguration, a Chatat (sin offering) is offered as the very first sacrifice (8:14). What is the sin that is being atoned for? Sifra suggests that atonement was required because some people may have been shamed into donating for the Mishkan; if they did not truly give voluntarily, then the material could be considered stolen. This inaugural sacrifice sets the tone for the level of sensitivity exhibited by the Torah and in turn, serves as a model for our own conduct. Social pressure can lead to devastating outcomes, and being conscious of its effects can help us avoid its havoc. Shlomo Ressler _____________________________________________ Quotation of the week: "Small acts, when multiplied by millions of people, can transform the world."