Summary:
As we begin a new book of Torah this week, our focus shifts to the offering of sacrifices in the Temple. In our portion we learn about a variety of different sacrifices. The olah or "burnt offering" was a voluntary sacrifice that had a high degree of sanctity and was regarded as the "standard" offering. The entire animal, except for its hide, was burned on the altar. The minchah or "meal offering" was a sacrifice made of flour, oil, salt, and frankincense that was partly burned on the altar and partly given to the priests to eat. The zevach sh'lamim or "sacrifice of well-being" was a voluntary animal offering from one's herd, sometimes brought to fulfill a vow. The chatat or "sin offering" was an obligatory sacrifice that was offered to expiate unintentional sins. This offering differs from the others in the special treatment of the blood of the animal. Finally, the asham or "penalty offering" was an obligatory sacrifice of a ram that was required chiefly of one who had misappropriated property.
Lessons from our Haftarah – Isaiah 43:21-44:23:
The Torah portion focuses on sacrifices that are to be brought to the Temple in Jerusalem. During the time of the prophet Isaiah the temple had been destroyed and thus Isaiah urges the people to bring God the offerings of their hearts.
In our haftarah, Isaiah speaks to the Jewish people who are in exile. They wonder if they have been forsaken by God. Isaiah’s message is that contrary to what the people have experienced, they are still treasured by God.
Isaiah’s image reinforces the idea of the Jewish people as chosen by God. In the Torah, the Jewish people are referred to as a “treasured possession” of the Eternal, a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Because they were chosen for divine service, they have an obligation to God…an obligation to avoid idolatry and to act in an ethical and holy way.
Our Judaism, thousands of years later, is still based upon this ideal. It is a privilege to be a Jew. In our daily and Shabbat prayer we continue to thank God for setting us apart from all the peoples, giving us a unique destiny. When we accepted Torah at Mt Sinai, we promised to fulfill our role in the covenant. God’s plan for history can only properly unfold when we meet our obligations to God.
Chosenness does not mean that we are a superior people. Instead, it reminds us that we have a privilege – to partner with God in the ultimate redemption of the world.
Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Don Goor