The third book of the bible, Vayikra (Leviticus), has an interesting pronouncement. This book (with its ten parshiot- weekly readings, 27 chapters in all) is concerned with priestly duties (hence Leviticus, of the Levi tribe, of which a select portion were the Kohanim- priests), sacrifices, and the laws. And, no, sacrifices are no longer effected. (They stopped with the destruction of the Great Temple.)
So, what struck me as I studied this first section of the 3rd book of the Tora? An interesting formulation. A change in the word formulation within the series of rules. Because the choice of words, which is subject to endless debate and discussion in scholarly circles, makes all the difference. (For example, one of the biggest differences between the English and Hebrew texts is the “sign” that the Supreme Being gives Moshe [Moses] to demonstrate that his mission is divine. In Hebrew, Moshe is told to tell the Jews that the Supreme Being’s name is “I shall be what I shall be”, not “I am what I am”. You should consider, sometimes, that difference- a big one…)
The first chapters of this book (and the whole weekly portion) covers offerings made if one breaks commandments of “thou shalt not” and those when one fails to “thou shalt”. The Tora provides 613 commandments that we are obligated to follow. This number is a critical one. There are 365 negative commandments- one for each day of the year. And, there are 248 positive commandments- one for each bone and major organ of the body. Unfortunately, we can’t fulfill all these commandments (26 apply only when one is residing in Israel, for example), and given the lack of the Temple’s existence (among other things), the commandment total today is only 271 (77 positive and 194 negative).
And, verse 22 of chapter 4 has a curious formulation. Chapters 1 to 3 all describe the offerings required “if” one fails to fulfil the commandments. (These are the positive commandments) Even the beginning of Chapter 4, discussing the offerings required when one does something that is prohibited, continues this vernacular fashion. But, verse 22 states “when” a Nasi (that’s the Hebrew) fails…
Yes, we should recognize that everyone is going to break a commandment. A Nasi is a prince, a tribal leader, including the one who was NOT the High Priest (Kohen Gadol) who was second in command of the Sanhedrin, the Court that made decisions governing life before the 5th century CE (it ended in 425, when the Christians decided to marginalize Judaism and force the world, as they knew it, to convert.). Now, that word also refers to the President of Israel. So, the Tora insures we know that no one is infallible.
And, the commandment stipulates that we should seek atonement. Not in private. Not by talking to ourselves. But, to admit the error, determine how NOT to do the same in the future (which is the first part of these commandments, one that continues to this day, when there are no sacrifices), and to become a better person.
So, given that everyone does make a mistake, what IS our excuse for not owning up to our own goofs?
Love this – I just happen to be reading in Numbers–I’m reading through the Bible this year–and your knowledge is really helpful. Thanks for sharing a bit of your heritage with us. It is rich indeed!
Debi Walter recently posted..GYRO Week 6 – Romantic Easter Date
I had to go look to see which book that is (we call it “In the Desert”…)
I think that book in particular is useful to read side by side with a few sources, Debi!
When I was in art school, we did a lengthy project studying something in nature (I chose the ubiquitous holly bush, living in Arkansas at the time) relating the object to numerical facts, symmetry, and design. It was a fascinating eye-opener of how the God of the universe is a designer who uses orderly principles. I had no idea of those number-facts of the book of Leviticus. So interesting and I’ll share.
Amy recently posted..Martin’s Last Ride
That sounds fantastic. The burning bush was one of my son’s favorite stories, as a child. And, by the time he was 2.5, we loved hearing HIM tell it- with his little boy pronunciations, intonations, and excitement, Amy.
Thanks for sharing that information- and my blog!
What a difference a word makes http://t.co/1e8Bck0H79 via @Adjuvancy
You know, I could very easily take any class you ever taught, but especially anything about the Tora. There is a lot to consider in your teaching her, and yes…we need to own up to our mistakes. I have discovered that those things we hide (mistakes) end up being those things that control our lives. We end up living in shame and a part from our earthly family and our SB. By our own choice. Love this post.
Lisa recently posted..Neon Glow Butterfly Phase 2 by Lisa Brandel
Nah, you don’t want to take a course from a pedantic academic :-)…
Glad you liked the post, Lisa.
And, I agree wholeheartedly that hiding mistakes only makes us nuts- and most people will wonder why we are doing so, anyway!