Shabbat Vayikra 5782
This week, we begin reading the third book of the Torah, which has several names. In Hebrew, it’s known by its opening word, Vayikra, which literally means “And He called.” But the rabbis of antiquity referred to this book as Torat Kohanim, “the Priestly Instruction.” That name actually bears more than just a passing resemblance to the English name of the book, Leviticus. After all, the inaugural kohanim came from the tribe of Levi. As God called Moshe and invited him to come close, God instructs him in the sacrificial ritual system of korbanot, the root of which is also about coming close–to God.
My goal in offering the weekly musical scavenger hunt is to entice people to read the Torah portion carefully, as well as to have some fun with music. Even if you don’t care for the video clips, it’s worthwhile to read the parshah anyway. For those who want to play along, why did I think of these songs?
Answers will be revealed after Shabbat minhah, which begins this week at 5:35 PM.
Wishing you a Shabbat Shalom and happy listening,
Rabbi David Wise
Candle lighting: 5:39 PM
Torah Reading: Leviticus 1:1-5:26
Maftir: Deuteronomy 25:17-19
Haftarah: I Samuel 15:2-34
