Parshas VaYikra starts the third book of the Chumash which
bares the same name. It introduces many of the sacrifices that were brought in
the Temple . The
sacrifices take many forms. Conceptually they can be shows of dedication i.e
the burnt offering (עולה), requests for
forgiveness i.e. sin (חטאת) and guilt (אשם) offerings, and expressions of celebration
and thanksgiving (שלמים). They can take the
form of animals, birds, and grain products say bread or flour.
The term "atonement" (כפר)
is often applied to them and may even be the stated purpose. It is typically
understood in terms of forgiveness. This includes the burnt offering as it
says, "He will place his hands on the head of the burnt offering and it
will be dear (נרצה) to him to atone (לכפר) on it," (VaYikra 1:4). The whole
verse is cryptic, but in any case the burnt offering is brought as a show of
dedication. What is the point of forgiveness in this context?
In addition the word kapora is used in many other situations
where forgiveness does not seem to be a concern. For example the incense altar
requires must be sprinkled with the blood of a sin offering once a year to
effect atonement (Shmos 30:10). In the haftora for Shabbos HaHodesh blood of a
sin offering is sprinkled on the entrances to the Temple to make atonement for it (Yechezkiel
45:20). The first use of the word כפר
is in parshas Noah in which G-d tells him to apply pitch (וכפרתה)
to the wood of the ark. The idea seems to be that the substance should be
absorbed.
Often the simple understanding of the word is to purify.
This is consistent with the idea of forgiveness because once a person is
purified from sin it is appropriated for him to be forgiven. In other contexts
the word "kofer" (כופר)
is considered a ransom. The mandatory half shekel donation given to the Temple in connection with
a census is called "a ransom for his soul to Hashem," (Shmos 30:12).
The idea of kipora כפרה
seems to include an aspect of making an impression. When a Jew sees the blood
on the doorposts of the Temple
on Rosh Hodesh Nissan he remembers well that it is time to start preparing for
Pesach. A smaller reminder may be easily forgotten. So to speak the lesson
soaks in. A blood ritual involving the Temple
and its vessels drives home the message that these items are supposed to
convey.
When a person places his hands on the head of an animal he
has brought as a sacrifice it creates a bond, particularly if he likes the
animal. Immediately after, the animal is slaughtered and the blood is spilled
on the altar. With that the feelings he had for making the offering become much
stronger. Therefore his intentions of penitence or dedication are much more
likely to become part of his general behavior as it says in Mishle 16:6,
"With kindness and truth iniquity will be atoned and with the fear of
Hashem one will depart from evil".
אזכור
הכבוד של תורמים ליד יוסף
אבי מורי פיליפ שרייבר, רבי ברוך רוזנפלד, יוחנן הולצברג, אברהם
שמרלר,
שלומי דייווס, בנימין לוי, אליהו גליק, בצלאל גליק, דוד נקי
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An
examination of the concept of atonement and how it includes the ideas of unity
and making an impression in addition to that of forgiveness
To download Audio click: https://www.box.com/s/x1g5ol81c4c4w13zk0r3
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