Dear TBZ Community,
This week, we begin the book of Vayikra (Leviticus), a text rich with details about sacrifices. In Hebrew, these offerings are called korbanot (קרבנות), derived from the root קרב, meaning “close.” For the ancient Israelites, these acts were profound expressions aimed at drawing nearer to the Divine. While the notion of animal and grain sacrifices may seem distant to us today, the underlying values remain deeply relevant today.
One such offering discussed is the sin offering (Korban Hata’at, קרבן חטאת), brought when an individual erred inadvertently. Notably, before presenting this offering, one underwent a purification process. This prompts the question: if the individual was already purified, what further purification did the sacrifice achieve? One interpretation suggests that the offering served to purify the Beit HaMikdash, the Holy Temple itself. This teaches us that our missteps impact not only ourselves but also the sacred communal spaces where we gather and encounter the Divine. Conversely, our conscious actions can restore and renew these spaces.
We are living through unprecedented times, facing threats to democracy, rising hatred, and challenges that test our moral courage. Racism, misogyny, and antisemitism must be actively opposed, not only by calling out injustices but also by introspection. What is our role? What is our responsibility? This teaching reminds us that our actions, both positive and negative, shape the world around us. If we consider our world as the Beit HaMikdash, our choices can either defile or sanctify it. Today, our offerings may not be animals or grain, but they are no less significant. They manifest in how we support others, uphold responsibility, and act with integrity.
This Torah portion also emphasizes that regardless of one’s financial status, everyone has access to God. If a person cannot afford a bull, they could bring a goat or sheep; if not a sheep, then a bird; and if even that is beyond their means, they could offer fine flour. In chapter 2 of Vayikra, when describing a person bringing a grain offering, the Torah uses the term nefesh (וְנֶפֶשׁ כִּי־תַקְרִיב). While nefesh in biblical Hebrew simply means “person,” later interpretations connect it to “soul.” The Rabbis taught that a poor person bringing flour was, in essence, offering their very soul.
A midrash in Vayikra Rabbah (3:5) tells the story of a poor woman who brought fine flour to the Temple. A priest belittled her offering, dismissing it as insignificant. However, in a dream, he was admonished:
נִרְאָה לַכֹּהֵן בַּחֲלוֹם אַל תְּבַזֶּה עָלֶיהָ, כְּאִלּוּ נַפְשָׁהּ הִקְרִיבָה
Do not disparage her. It is as though she is sacrificing her soul.
The priest had focused solely on the external value of the offering, overlooking the profound sacrifice it represented.
This narrative teaches us that our contributions to the world are not measured by their magnitude but by the sincerity and completeness with which we offer them. Are we truly bringing our whole selves? Are we holding back, offering only a fraction of our potential? In times like these, when democracy and justice are under threat, we must ask: Are we fully present? Are we utilizing our voices and actions to build a more righteous world?
Senator Cory Booker, in his recent 25-hour speech on the Senate floor, echoed this sentiment by invoking the legacy of civil rights leader John Lewis:
“He endured beatings savagely on the Edmund Pettus Bridge, at lunch counters, on freedom rides. He said he had to do something. He would not normalize a moment like this.”
Booker reminded us of the imperative to act in the face of injustice, to not normalize moments of moral crisis, and to bring our full selves to the pursuit of righteousness. In his words:
“These are not normal times in our nation, and they should not be treated as such in the United States Senate. The threats to the American people and American democracy are grave and urgent, and we all must do more to stand against them.”
Today we ask: What are we doing? What are we offering? Not all of us can contribute in the same way—some march, some volunteer, some donate, some protest, some help immigrants, some teach, some learn. But there is one thing we can all do: we can spread understanding, love, and empathy. We can live a life of values: the values of loving our neighbor, caring for the stranger, the weak, the widow, the needy. A life of caring for one another. A life of building community, meaningfully. A life of showing up. It is time to show up.
This Shabbat, may we each reflect on what we are offering to the world. Are we bringing our nefesh, our soul?
May our actions purify and elevate our communities, and may we strive to be fully present in our pursuit of justice, compassion, and holiness.
May this Shabbat bring us peace, strength, and clarity, as we find the courage to forgive, heal, and move forward together, knowing we do not walk this journey alone and that God’s presence is in every one of us.
May God grant blessings and comfort to all of us and our loved ones. May we discover strength, courage, and patience, and may our hearts be open to generosity.
May those who are ill find healing.
May all the remaining hostages soon return to their families and friends. May peace prevail, and may our leaders prioritize life.
May those working for peace be granted the strength and courage to continue their sacred work, and may we soon witness peace and dignity for all.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rav Claudia
P.S. Important Information for This Coming Shabbat
Saturday, April 5: We have heard from many in our community that they will be joining the Hands Off Rally in Boston this Shabbat, praying with their feet in support during this time of upheaval. Some were hoping to attend services before heading to the rally, and we want to honor both commitments—prayer with our siddur and community, as well as prayer with our feet.
To accommodate this, we will be holding a shortened Shabbat morning service:
We welcome each person to make the choice that best aligns with their Shabbat practice at this time. Whether in the sanctuary or in the streets, may our prayers and actions reflect our values.