“(The L-rd) called to Moses, and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting, saying: Speak to the Children of Israel and say to them: When a person from among you will bring an offering to G-d …” (Leviticus 1:1-2)
As we commence the third book of the Pentateuch popularly known as Leviticus, we are greeted by a very different name used colloquially by the Torah masses to identify this book. It is both subtle, yet striking. The name used is the book of Vayikra, meaning, (The L-rd) called. What is so unique about the word “Vayikra” that it has become the identifier of the book of Leviticus? Additionally, why does the verse only mention that Moses was called, without mentioning the caller?
Rabbi Moshe Sternbauch in his commentary “Ta’am Vada’as” explains that in every aspect of our lives G-d calls out to us. We could choose to hear that voice or we could ignore the voice. Rashi points out that the heavenly voice calling out to Moses was a very loud and powerful voice, yet Moses was the only one who heard it. That’s because this was a message solely intended for Moses. However G-d didn’t suddenly call to Moses out of the clear blue sky; first Moses felt that a spiritual moment was descending upon him, and he immediately prepared himself to hear the message. Only after that preparation and focus did the voice call out to him. Had Moses not been attuned to the voice, he never would have heard it. The reason why the caller is not mentioned is because the caller is not readily apparent. Moses had to do his part in preparing the receptor to hear the call.
How do we hear this voice calling out to us? The Torah tells us, “And you will return to G-d and listen to His voice.” (Deuteronomy 4:30) One must be tuned in to the proper frequency to pick up the correct signal intended for that particular person. People expect earth shattering Sinai-like revelations to believe that G-d is behind the message. However, if we are seeking out the call in every aspect of our daily lives, we will find the caller behind the call. This is true in both the happy times of our lives, as well as in the sad moments. Purim is the holiday of seeking out G-d in the seemingly natural everyday occurrences. (See Rav Pincus on Purim, Ch. 1) Vayikra is the book that helps us live with G-d on a daily basis.
Nachmanides in his introduction to the book of Vayikra explains that here we are coming off of the bells and whistles of slavery and redemption. Now is the time to ensure that our daily living is with G-d. We must keep G-d in our midst. We are all being called. We must turn on the ringer.
Throughout history we find some people who answered their calling and others who just ignored the call. A central Jewish belief is that nothing in this world is happenstance. The Talmud goes so far as to say that if somebody stubs their toe, they should examine their actions because G-d has called out to them. If somebody fishes into their pocket for a quarter and a nickel comes out, there is a message there. (Though for that one you have to be really tuned in!) The same is true for the good in our lives. It’s not easy to hear the voice of G-d, but in those moments of inspiration and introspection, the voice could ring out loud and clear. Sometimes we have to fish a little deeper. Each person has a unique message for them; our mission in this world is to hear our personal calling of Vayikra.
Questions for Discussion:
Have you ever heard (so to say) the voice of G-d calling out to you? How did you respond?
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)