In this week’s parasha, Tzav, focuses on the laws of sacrifices and priestly duties. The emphasis is on the instructions given to the priests regarding the burnt offerings, the meal offerings, the sin offerings, and the guilt offerings. These offerings were an essential part of the religious practices of the Israelites, and they were intended to symbolize the people’s devotion to God.

As I reflect on this chapter, I am struck by the idea of sacrifice. In today’s world, sacrifice is often viewed negatively. We are taught to prioritize our own needs and desires, and sacrificing them for the sake of others or for a greater cause is often seen as a burden. However, the concept of sacrifice in this chapter of the Torah is different. It is not seen as a burden or a punishment, but rather as a means of expressing devotion and gratitude.

In Tzav, the burnt offering is described as a “pleasing aroma to the Lord”. The idea of a pleasing aroma suggests that the sacrifice is not just a physical act, but also a spiritual one. It is an offering of the heart, a way of expressing love and gratitude to God. As I look around the world today, I see many examples of sacrifice that are motivated by love and gratitude. Healthcare workers, for example, have been sacrificing their own safety and well-being to care for those who are sick during the COVID-19 pandemic. They are not doing this because they are being forced to, but because they feel a sense of duty and devotion to their patients. Similarly, many people have been sacrificing their own comfort and convenience to protect the environment. They are making changes to their lifestyles, such as reducing their energy consumption or using public transportation instead of driving, because they recognize the importance of preserving the planet for future generations. Making sacrifices to show devotion and gratitude is also a way of showing appreciation for the things that we have been given, and a way of giving back to the world.\

As I read this chapter, I am also intrigued by the idea of atonement. The sin offering and the guilt offering were both intended to provide a way for the people to seek forgiveness for their sins. In our modern world, forgiveness and atonement are often difficult to come by. We live in a culture that values punishment and retribution over forgiveness and reconciliation. However, the idea of atonement in this text suggests that forgiveness is possible, even for the most serious of offenses. It requires a willingness to acknowledge our mistakes, to take responsibility for our actions, and to make amends.

In today’s Jewish community, the lessons of Tzav continue to be relevant. The act of sacrifice, whether it be in the form of volunteering, making charitable donations, or participating in community service, is still seen as a way to connect with God and express gratitude for the blessings of life. Similarly, seeking forgiveness and atonement remains a central tenet of Jewish faith and practice. Finally, the concept of sacrifice is particularly relevant during Jewish holidays and festivals, such as Passover and Yom Kippur. During these occasions, we make offerings and engage in rituals that are intended to demonstrate our devotion to God and their commitment to living a righteous life

As I reflect on this parasha, the concepts of sacrifice and atonement may seem outdated or irrelevant in our modern world, but they still have a powerful message to teach us. By sacrificing for others and seeking forgiveness for our mistakes, we can show our love and devotion to the world around us and ultimately make the world a better place to live.

Emily Green
Student, Western Hillel

This week’s double portion is Vayakhel-Pekudei, which concludes the book of Exodus. In these final chapters, the Israelites complete the construction of the Tabernacle, the portable sanctuary that they will use to worship God during their travels in the wilderness. The Israelites bring offerings of gold, silver, and other materials, and skilled craftsmen work diligently to create the Tabernacle, the Ark of the Covenant, and all the other sacred objects that will be used in their worship. One of the striking things about this section of the Torah is the emphasis on the importance of every individual’s contribution. The text describes how all the Israelites, regardless of their social status or wealth, were invited to contribute to the construction of the Tabernacle. Each person gave what they could, and their gifts were combined to create something truly magnificent. This emphasis on the importance of individual contributions is a reminder of the power of community. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the challenges of the world and to believe that we as individuals cannot make a difference. But when we come together and combine our efforts, we can create something truly incredible. Whether it is a physical structure like the Tabernacle or a social movement or a charity organization, the power of collective action can accomplish amazing things. On a similar note, Hillel plays a vital role in the lives of many Jewish students, providing a community where they can connect with one another, celebrate their traditions, and explore their Jewish identities. Here in Guelph, we recently learned that we will need to find a new Hillel House. We are very optimistic that we will have a new home in the coming school year and, as such, are working hard to raise funds to help transform whatever space we find into a home that will better serve the needs of our community. March 20th begins our “Home is where Hillel is” fundraising campaign. As we reflect on the power of collective action in this week’s parsha, we are emboldened to dream big in reaching out to the wider community to reach our goals. We must also acknowledge our deep gratitude to all who have helped to make our current Hillel House the warm, welcoming, communal space that it has been for us. Let us remember the example of the Israelites in Vayakhel-Pekudei, who came together to build something truly magnificent. May we follow in their footsteps by working together to support and strengthen our communities.