DIVREI TORAH ON PARSHAS VAYIKRA
There’s only one Korbon in this Parsha, that when it’s brought the Torah says V’nefesh Ki Sakriv, when a soul brings a Korbon. Rashi explains that poor people, having little possessions, their offering is appreciated by Hashem as if they brought their soul to Him. The message is that a poor person’s offering is more appreciated than other offerings, because s/he brings whatever s/he can afford, and possibly even more than s/he can afford.
This message is well known. Nevertheless, it’s rare for people to internalize it. This is an example of where we would, probably, say that Shomaim is an Olam Hofuch, an upside down world, only to be told that Shomaim is an Olom Bohir, a world that has clarity. What we consider to be correct is really the upside down attitude.
In our world, is a child who has a difficult time learning, ever told that his/her Torah is Rei’ach Nicho’ach, and significantly more than a child who naturally excels? Is a child who has a difficult time sitting straight for five minutes given an acknowledgement when s/he listens to his/her father’s thoughts at the Shabbos table, even though it was for only five minutes? If there is an acknowledgment, is it heartfelt, or just a Chinuch “move”, an attempt to motivate him/her further? Does a learning disabled adult who chose to go to work, when s/he was young, despite his/her brothers continued learning, receive his/her deserved respect for staying sincerely religious, and offering her/his clients an honest day’s work?
Hashem truly appreciates any gift from people who have minimal resources, whether it is money, patience, or intellect. Everything people give is a form of a Korbon. When people give from their minimal resources they are demonstrating a sign of friendship that wealthy people can’t, and makes it the only Korbon truly deserving of having a Rei’ach Nicho’ach. Look for all those poor people who are giving off beautiful smells, and share in Hashem’s pleasure by noticing and acknowledging it.
This message is well known. Nevertheless, it’s rare for people to internalize it. This is an example of where we would, probably, say that Shomaim is an Olam Hofuch, an upside down world, only to be told that Shomaim is an Olom Bohir, a world that has clarity. What we consider to be correct is really the upside down attitude.
In our world, is a child who has a difficult time learning, ever told that his/her Torah is Rei’ach Nicho’ach, and significantly more than a child who naturally excels? Is a child who has a difficult time sitting straight for five minutes given an acknowledgement when s/he listens to his/her father’s thoughts at the Shabbos table, even though it was for only five minutes? If there is an acknowledgment, is it heartfelt, or just a Chinuch “move”, an attempt to motivate him/her further? Does a learning disabled adult who chose to go to work, when s/he was young, despite his/her brothers continued learning, receive his/her deserved respect for staying sincerely religious, and offering her/his clients an honest day’s work?
Hashem truly appreciates any gift from people who have minimal resources, whether it is money, patience, or intellect. Everything people give is a form of a Korbon. When people give from their minimal resources they are demonstrating a sign of friendship that wealthy people can’t, and makes it the only Korbon truly deserving of having a Rei’ach Nicho’ach. Look for all those poor people who are giving off beautiful smells, and share in Hashem’s pleasure by noticing and acknowledging it.
The author can be contacted at shmuelgluck@areivim.com
There are four types of Korbon Chatos (sinner’s offering) discussed in this Parsha. There is a specific Chatos that is brought by a Kohen Godol, Melech, Tzibbur, and an individual. Why do they require different Korbanos?
It’s clear that their individual positions in Klal Yisroel is what makes them different. Many people would say that position is less important than character. However, many of the kings during the time of the first Beis Hamikdash, and many of the Kohanim of the second Beis Hamikdash, were described by our Neviim and Chachamim as wicked. They were still given the higher status of bringing a special Korbon. What can we conclude from this?
The status that people have creates additional responsibilities for them, even if their personal character doesn’t warrant it. A Kohen Godol'S position is very great, even if the individual holding the position isn’t. People will always “look up to him”, even if they claim that they don’t respect him. A Rav is a Rav, regardless of who he is, and what individuals think of him. As a result, Rabbonim must “carry” themselves as Rabbonim, and not rationalize that, “I’m just a regular guy who tries to help when I can”.
The same is true for people in less important positions. A father is a leader in his home, even if he doesn’t have any leadership qualities (although he’d better learn fast). A husband and wife have the positions of spouses, even if they don’t see themselves as qualified. Anyone who learns in a Yeshiva is seen by the public as a “Rav in training”, and is responsible to act as if they are, truly, training for that position.
People should spend some time thinking about how they’re “looked” at by others, and whether their positions in life, such as being the oldest members in a Shul, or community, adds to how people look at them. Then they should grow into that position as best as they can.
It’s clear that their individual positions in Klal Yisroel is what makes them different. Many people would say that position is less important than character. However, many of the kings during the time of the first Beis Hamikdash, and many of the Kohanim of the second Beis Hamikdash, were described by our Neviim and Chachamim as wicked. They were still given the higher status of bringing a special Korbon. What can we conclude from this?
The status that people have creates additional responsibilities for them, even if their personal character doesn’t warrant it. A Kohen Godol'S position is very great, even if the individual holding the position isn’t. People will always “look up to him”, even if they claim that they don’t respect him. A Rav is a Rav, regardless of who he is, and what individuals think of him. As a result, Rabbonim must “carry” themselves as Rabbonim, and not rationalize that, “I’m just a regular guy who tries to help when I can”.
The same is true for people in less important positions. A father is a leader in his home, even if he doesn’t have any leadership qualities (although he’d better learn fast). A husband and wife have the positions of spouses, even if they don’t see themselves as qualified. Anyone who learns in a Yeshiva is seen by the public as a “Rav in training”, and is responsible to act as if they are, truly, training for that position.
People should spend some time thinking about how they’re “looked” at by others, and whether their positions in life, such as being the oldest members in a Shul, or community, adds to how people look at them. Then they should grow into that position as best as they can.
The author can be contacted at shmuelgluck@areivim.com
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