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PARASHA
1st & 2nd & 3rd Aliyot: The instructions for offering a "Olah" – burnt offering (fully consumed on the Alter) is detailed. This offering could be brought from a bull, or male sheep or goat. The less expensive "Olah", using a Turtle Dove or common dove, is described. The Mincha, an offering made from baked, fried, or deep fried matzah type crackers is detailed.
4th Aliya: The Korban Shlamim – the peace offering, brought from male or female cattle, sheep, and goats is described.
5th Aliya: This aliya describes this Korban Chatat – the sin offering. Three unique sin offerings are described:
1. When the High Priest sinned
2. If the King sinned
3. If the entire nation sinned because of a wrong ruling by the Sanhedrin – High Court. Note: A Korban Chatat could only be offered if the sin was unintentional.
6th & 7th Aliyot: The Korban Chatat of a commoner is detailed, as well as the specifics of the Korban Asham – the guilt offering. This Korban was offered in instances where intentional wrong doing was implicated; such as not fulfilling an assumed oath, or doing something questionable without first ascertaining the law. Additionally, a type of Asham was offered in instances of dishonesty and swearing falsely.
This week's Haftarah is from Yeshayah, chapters 43 and 44. The Navi contrasts the idol worshipper with Yakov, the servant of G-d. By choosing Israel to be G-d's nation, we were afforded the unique opportunity of serving G-d in His own home.
The Haftarah begins with G-d's declaration that we were created for the purpose of proclaiming His praises and mastery. The tools for doing so is nature itself in accordance with G-d's rules and dictates. After describing the foolishness of those who would replace Him with images fashioned by human hands, G-d reaffirms our selection as His Chosen People. He guarantees that so long as we return to the prescribed service of the Temple, we will be forgiven and redeemed.
