Parashat Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26)

A weekly Torah exploration for families by Michael S. Raileanu, M.A.Ed.

A weekly Torah exploration for families by Michael S. Raileanu, M.A.Ed.

We have finished Shemot/Exodus and we have moved on to the third book of the Torah, Vayikra (Parashat Vayikra 1:1 - 5:26). We learn the laws of being a Levite, a priest. Now, the truth is that since we don't do sacrifice anymore some of this might seem a little impractical. However, Torah is Torah and there is always value in everything we read. The trick is for people in the modern world to find the meaning.

Why did God want sacrifices? What was the reason for killing and burning animals as part of worship? Why couldn't our ancient ancestors have just had prayer the way we do?
Why don't we need sacrifice anymore? What do we do now instead of sacrifice? (Hint: we do it in shul normally with the rabbi and the congregation.)
Which is a better system: prayer or sacrifice? Why? Which one is easier to do? Why?
There are different sacrifices that are called for at different times. What do we do now when we sin? What do when we sin by accident? What about when we physically hurt someone? Which is better, making a sacrifice for those things or whatever it is we do today? What if we all made some mistake how would the community make up for the mistake (sin)?
Can you name something that you have done wrong recently, how did you make up for it? How about something an entire nation has done wrong, how did we/they make amends for it?