Aliya Summary: Now that G‑d's presence graces the Tabernacle, G‑d
instructs the Jewish people to banish certain ritually impure
individuals from their encampments. Most of them were only barred from
entering the Tabernacle area and its immediate environs. Only one who
suffered from tzara'at ("leprosy") was sent out of the general
encampment. This Aliya then discusses the restitution and Temple
sacrifice required of one who robs his fellow and then falsely swears to
maintain his innocence. If one robs a convert who then dies without
leaving any heirs, the restitution is made to a priest. Also included in
this Aliya is the mitzvah to verbally confess one's sins, and a
person's right to select a priest of their liking to whom to give the
various required priestly gifts.
Take a close look at
this Aliya dealing with repentance. It speaks of a man or a woman
sinning and of THEIR (not his) requirement to confess and repent. It is
often the case that when an individual sins, others are somewhat
responsible. Perhaps a parent who did not educate the child properly.
Maybe someone who made stealing too easy and/or tempting. Does the
society bear some of the responsibility for a sinner's actions? A person
is primarily accountable for his actions, but the Torah's use of the
plural reminds us of our duty to develop an environment of Torah values
that will be conducive for all members of society to enthusiastically
follow a Torah way of life.
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