Understanding the Parsha according to the teachings of the Rebbe
QUESTION: HaShem calls to Moshe using ויקרא, but to the prophets of other nations HaShem uses ויקר (chance, temporary). What is the significance of the difference of only one letter "א"?
ANSWER: The letter "א" refers to the אלופו של העולם the head of the world. This extra letter expresses the true and permanent connection between HaShem and the Jews. The calling of love from HaShem extends to all Jews, who all contain a spark of Moshe. (ספר השיחות ה'תשמ"ט כרך א, עמ' 336)
QUESTION: Since HaShem receives no benefit from the korban, then what is the reason for Korbanos?
ANSWER: Just like eating reveals the spiritual properties of the soul in the body, so too, Korbanos (which are called “bread”) reveal in the world that HaShem is master of all. HaShem desires that we do Torah and Mitzvos connecting us with Him, to make the entire world like a korban to G-d, making His Home in this world. (לקוטי שיחות כרך יב, עמ' 10)
QUESTION: What is the lesson from a small Aleph in reference to Moshe in this Parsha and a large aleph in reference to Adam HaRishon?
ANSWER: The large aleph by Adam signifies one should recognizes one’s abilities; the small aleph from Moshe indicates a level of humility that one understands that one’s talents are gifts from Above. (לקוטי שיחות כרך יז, עמ' 1 )
QUESTION: Why does the Parsha start with an individual’s voluntary sacrifices (קרבן נדבה) and not with obligatory and/or communal sacrifices?
ANSWER: The Parsha starts with an individual’s voluntary sacrifice, to indicate that one’s good intentions are the basis of all offerings (even obligatory sacrifices). Good intentions are part of the essential nature of a Jew which is the result of HaShem’s love to the Jews. (לקוטי שיחות כרך יז, עמ' 9 )
QUESTION: What is the benefit to starting a child’s education with Parshas VaYikra?
ANSWER: Three periods in the Jewish people (prior to the Avos, the Avos, and after Matan Torah) corresponds to the 3 periods in every person’s life (pre-Chinuch, Chinuch, post Bar-Mitzvah). The core of the sacrifice can reveal the love between G-d and the Jew that transcends Torah, primarily found in the pre-Avos period; thus, the custom of the pre-chinuch children to learn the Korbanos of VaYikra. The child that is completely pure, touches (reveals) G-d’s essential love to the Jewish people, even without understanding; that love continues to adulthood, even when one strays, can be activated by bringing a Korban. (לקוטי שיחות כרך כב, עמ' 1 )
BEN CHAMESH L’MIKRA בס"ד
- הענינים מלקו"ש השבועי ועוד -
נשמת אפרים לע"נ ר' אפרים ב"ר אברהם ע"ה האפמאן
▪ Resource to encourage the study of the Rebbe’s sichos ▪
Designed for use in the classroom or at the Shabbos Table
