Thursday, July 1, 2010

Daily Aliya for Pinchas, Chamishi (5th Aliya)

Aliya Summary: From this point until the end of this week's reading, the Torah details the various communal sacrifices which were offered in the Tabernacle and Temple at designated times. This section discusses the twice-daily "Tamid" sacrifice, as well as the additional sacrifices offered on Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh (the first day of the Jewish month).

If you're looking for juicy theories and life lessons, this Aliya is as bone dry as it gets (pun intended). However, two items stand out among the detailed descriptions of the sacrifices brought monthly. The first is the "re'ach nochoach" that was associated with these offerings. Literally it means "a spirit of satisfaction", and it refers to G-d pleasure in seeing that we did exactly what He asked us to do, despite it making little sense, because that's what makes Him happy. The second is the monthly sacrifice brought to atone for the sins we are not aware of. These two items clearly outline the relationship between two people, where one tries to please the other, and just in case they did anything wrong, apologizes for things they were unaware of. It's a beautiful blueprint for relationships.

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