Vayikra

 So much of Torah speaks to the heart and so much of it does not resonate with us.  The practices which we no longer follow feel archaic and meaningless.  Here, read what the midrash makes of one of these passages:

"He also said, "From the rising of the sun until the setting of the sun, My Name is great among the nations; and in every place offerings are presented in My Name, even pure sacrifices."

[The above section is quoted and seems to say that even in the diaspora the Jewish people are faithful with their offerings.  But, we know this is not so: the sacrifices were only offered in the holy city of Jerusalem.]

"Now are there sacrifices and the giving of handfuls of flour along with sacrifices rising in the smoke of Babylonia?  [Of course not.]  What then is being referred to?

"The Mishna.  The Holy One, blessed be He, said, 'When I see My children engaged in the study of Mishna, it is as if you were offering up to Me sacrifices."  -Leviticus Rabbah 7:3

 

What makes us the "People of the Book" is not that we possess the Bible but that we seek to penetrate its internal fabric.  We believe there are incalculable lessons waiting to be gleaned by everyone.  One of the primary keys to deciphering the power of the Text is the Mishna.

Sacrifices were key to connecting to the Almighty One.  They were dedicated actions performed by ordinary people who hungered to touch God.  What made the event so powerful was that it was utterly selfless and an action done for the Lord. This is the same schema that apply to pluming the depths of Torah.

"Smiling, sincere, incorruptible -

His body disciplined and limber.

A man who had become what he could, And was what he was -

Ready at any moment together everything

Into one simple sacrifice."  -Dag Hammarskjold

 

We may have stopped bringing sacrifices to the altar but we have not stopped bringing sacrifices.  You are that gift.  Make Torah a part of your day, every day to return the favor.