Two Minute Torah Podcast

Vayikra 5771 by Rabbi Jacob Blumenthal

After a long winter here in the Northeast, I am looking forward to spring and the chance to go hiking in the warmer weather. In particular, my family and I enjoy hiking up Sugarloaf Mountain not far from my home. After an arduous climb, we finally reach the peak, and look back over a large section of Maryland. After all that work, we have a profound sense of pride and accomplishment as we seem to stand "on top of the world."

But one of the great Polish Hasidic Masters, Rabbi Simcha Bunim of Peshischa, taught a valuable lesson for those who love hiking. "One who stands at the peak of a mountain should not feel too much pride. For after all, the mountain is what allows for the view."

Indeed, as we open the book of Vayikra, Moses is at the peak of his career. He has brought the Israelites out of Egypt; he has guided them through the experience of revelation at Mount Sinai; he has instructed them successfully through the building of the Mishkan — the tabernacle — and God's presence now dwells among the people during their journeys through the desert. He stands at the peak of his career as a prophet, and should certainly look back on these accomplishments with tremendous pride.

And yet, if we look closely at the opening word of the book we begin this week, Vayikra, we notice immediately that something is strange. The last letter of the first word, the "alef" in Vayikra, is written deliberately smaller than all the others. According to tradition, this tiny alef is an indication of Moses' humility in the face of his greatest challenge yet — the challenge of teaching the Jewish people their true mission — to be an "Am Kadosh" — a "Holy People."

Indeed, for us as modern readers, Vayikra is the most challenging book of the Torah. Its central mission is to be found in Leviticus chapter 19, "You shall be holy, for I, the Lord your God, am Holy." According to Vayikra, to realize our potential having been created in God's image demands obedience and sacrifice, faith and spiritual awareness. It keeps us humble, even when we are feeling on top of the world.