** This Dvar is dedicated in loving memory of my grandfather Avraham ben
Chaim Yehuda, an incredible man that endured, sacrificed, and gave so much
for his family, surviving two world wars with his character and sense of
humor! **
Welcome to the short, practical Lelamed Weekly Dvar. I hope you enjoy it
enough to forward it to someone else...
Sefer Vayikra opens with G-d’s addressing Moshe from the newly constructed
Mishkan. The Parsha begins “when a person from [among] you brings a
sacrifice to G-d…” (1:2) and goes on to discuss the laws of cattle, sheep,
and goat offerings. Since the Torah does not waste words and the directive
could have easily done without the words “from among you,” it begs the
question: what is the purpose of adding those words?
Rabbi Shimon Schwab suggests that the word מִכֶּ֛ם means “from among you,”
but can also mean “from within you.” Sharing or donating something that you
have earned can sometimes feel like you are giving away a piece of
yourself. G-d recognizes our sacrifices, especially when they are not
mandatory. When we give of our time, money, and effort, it is not only
comforting but also vital that we know it is acknowledged and appreciated,
and the beginning of Vayikra looks to model that behavior for us.
Quotation of the week:
"It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving." - Mother
Theresa
** This Dvar is dedicated in loving memory of my grandfather Avraham ben
Chaim Yehuda, an incredible man that endured, sacrificed, and gave so much
for his family, surviving two world wars with his character and sense of
humor! **
Welcome to the short, practical Lelamed Weekly Dvar. I hope you enjoy it
enough to forward it to someone else...
_______________________________________________
Sefer Vayikra opens with G-d’s addressing Moshe from the newly constructed
Mishkan. The Parsha begins “when a person from [among] you brings a
sacrifice to G-d…” (1:2) and goes on to discuss the laws of cattle, sheep,
and goat offerings. Since the Torah does not waste words and the directive
could have easily done without the words “from among you,” it begs the
question: what is the purpose of adding those words?
Rabbi Shimon Schwab suggests that the word מִכֶּ֛ם means “from among you,”
but can also mean “from within you.” Sharing or donating something that you
have earned can sometimes feel like you are giving away a piece of
yourself. G-d recognizes our sacrifices, especially when they are not
mandatory. When we give of our time, money, and effort, it is not only
comforting but also vital that we know it is acknowledged and appreciated,
and the beginning of Vayikra looks to model that behavior for us.
_______________________________________________
Quotation of the week:
"It's not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving." - Mother
Theresa