Divrei Menachem

Divrei Menachem - Parashat Vayikra

Parshat Vayikra introduces us to the many sacrifices that Bnei Yisrael could bring as offerings to Hashem. After a general remark concerning the offering of animals from one’s flock or cattle, the Torah turns to specific sacrifices, commencing with the Olah, elevation-offering.

We are told that the unblemished male from the cattle should be brought voluntarily (LIRZONO - lit. “In accordance to his will”) to the entrance of the Ohel Mo’ed, before Hashem. The rabbis, of course, question the use of this term, as if to ask how else would a person bring a sacrifice, if not from his own free will?
Unfortunately, however, we are all aware of people who make pledges to Batei Knesset or charities and, somehow, never get around to living up to their promises. In this case, the Olah, as its name suggests, was also supposed to act as atonement. Thus, one’s inaction in this instant was to be doubly deplored.
Citing the Sifri, Rashi notes that pressure can be exerted on the defaulting individual to the point where he says, “Yes, I am willing to live up to my pledge.” Then we might better understand the phrase “Lirzono” to mean that when we donate to a sacred cause freely, our offering will be reciprocally accepted by Hashem, in accordance to His will.

Shabbat Shalom, Menachem Persoff

• Other Divrei Menachem
• Divrei Menachem
• Divrei Menachem
• Divrei Menachem