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Dear Friends,

Parshat Vayikrah begins our immersion into the world of sacrifices, a topic that seems very foreign and alien to many of us. The Olah, the burnt offering, is described in great detail. 

It’s name, Olah, means to rise, and many of the Sages have theories as to why it is so named. The Midrash Tankhuma believes it is called Olah because it is voluntary, and therefore superior to other sacrifices. Rashi describes the “rising” smoke that rises from the sacrifice. The Rambam ascribed the name to the sins that “rise up” in our minds, which the sacrifice atones for. A more positive explanation is given by R. Shimshon Rafael Hirsch who feels the Olah does not describe the sacrifice, but rather the sacrificer, who is elevated by bringing it. 

Rabbi Mervis, who expounds on these different attributions, has his own take. He emphasizes the common root of Korban, sacrifice, and karov, closeness. The sacrifices are what bring us closer to G-d, they elevate us and they also make clear our mortality and dependence on G-d for everything we have and need. Prayer is our method today, but the concept of elevating ourselves spiritually and thereby making ourselves better people, remains. Coming together in prayer, and to celebrate our holidays and observances, elevates us as people and as a community. 

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We have a bunch of community Purim events coming up next week! I want to thank the Rabbi, Shternie and the Sisterhood for all of their efforts in planning and execution. In addition to the events around the Megillah readings Wednesday night and Thursday afternoon, there is a Hamentashen Bake and a Shulem Lemmer concert to cap off the holiday. All of the events are on the website at bnaiavraham.org.

The Board committees are continuing to brainstorm and the Board will vote on their recommendations at the next meeting on 3/21. Thanks to all of the committee members for their efforts. As mentioned last week, I will share the agenda prior to the meeting so members can have a chance to comment. 

Mazal Tov to the Rabbi and Shternie, and to the whole Raskin and Elias families on the birth of Chava to Chaya and Yossi (and a special yasherkoach to Yossi for his great catch!!). May they all have lots of nachas and joy from her. 

Lastly, we continue to say Tehillim and pray for a quick end to hostilities and for peace in Ukraine. There are many worthwhile places to contribute. I wrote about Shternie father’s site last week. Isaac Koyfman's brother has a site that is sending medical equipment as well as personnel trained in dealing with psychological trauma (ukrainefriends.org). My daughter Ariel, who is a fellow this year at The Joint Distribution Committee has been awed by the work they have been doing with the Jewish population of Ukraine.

Wishing you all a peaceful and safe Shabbat, and a Chag Purim Sameach,

Steve Inker