Parsha Points to Ponder

Parsha Points to Ponder for Parsha Vayikra

1) Why does the Torah say, A PERSON FROM AMONG YOU (MIKEM) WHO BRINGS A SACRI- FICE (1:2)? Why are the words FROM AMONG YOU necessary?

2) Why did the Kohanim have to bring a fire to the altar if a fire descended from heaven to ignite the fire and that fire lasted through the entire life span of the Mishkan (see 1:7 and Rashi)?

3) Why did the MINCHA sacrifices have to include salt (2:13)?

Answers - Ponder the questions first and then look here

1) The Seforno explains that MIKEM (FROM AMONG YOU) means FROM INSIDE THE PERSON. These words teach that a sacrifice can only be effective if the person comes with his insides turned towards renewing the relationship with G-D and a desire for closeness to Him.

2) The Kli Yakar answers that this partnership of the fire from heaven and the fire from Earth helped bring atonement for the sinner for the aspects of the sin for which he should be punished from heaven and for the components for which he should be punished by the court on Earth.

3) Daat Zekainim MiBaalei HaTosfot teach that salt is used to preserve other objects and the salt in the sacrifice teaches that the person who has cleansed himself from sin through the offering has created a lasting connection to G-D which should continue and motivate him not to sin for a long time.

Points to Ponder is prepared by Rabbi Dov Lipman who teaches at Reishit Yerushalayim and Machon Maayan in Beit shemesh and is the author of “DISCOVER: Answers for Teenagers (and Adults) to Questions about the Jewish Faith” (Feldheim) and “TIMEOUT: Sports Stories as a Game Plan for Spiritual Success” (Devora) His Hagada commentary, “FOUNDATIONS” will be published by Targum before Pesach
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