And [G-d] called to Moses (Lev. 1:1)
It is traditional to begin a young child's study of Torah with the Book of Leviticus, which deals primarily with the laws of the sacrifices. From this we learn that Jewish education is so important to the perpetuation of our people that parents should not hesitate to make even the greatest financial "sacrifices" to ensure that their children receive the proper instruction. (Avnei Ezel)
For this reason, our Sages stated (Nedarim 81): "Be cautious with the children of the poor, for from them the Torah will go forth." When poor parents demonstrate self-sacrifice to pay their children's tuition, their strength is inherited by their offspring, who become giants in Torah. (Rabbi Meir Shapiro)
And he shall slaughter the bull before G-d (Lev. 1:5)
As explained in the Talmud (Chulin 30), "And he shall slaughter" implies drawing or pulling. The act of slaughtering (according to Torah law) "draws" the animal or bird upward, rendering it capable of being elevated from the realm of the animal kingdom to the realm of man, when it is ingested and transformed into the blood and flesh of the person who partakes of it. The animal soul of man must likewise be "slaughtered," by drawing and elevating it upward until it is subsumed in the holiness of the G-dly soul. (Likutei Sichot)
With all your offerings you shall offer salt (Lev. 2:5)
The sacrifices in the Sanctuary and Holy Temples elevated and refined all four kingdoms of created matter: the inanimate (salt), vegetative (fine flour, offered with every sacrifice), animal (the animal or bird being sacrificed), and the realm of man (the kohen, who performed the service). (Arizal)
Reprinted from the Vayikra 5752/1992 edition of L’Chaim.
