Close To Torah

Our Parsha begins with the instructions of the procedure for a man who wishes to bring a Korban, sacrifice. The Torah seems to state something extra, “אדם, A man who wishes to bring a sacrifice (Vayikra 1:2).” This seems odd as to why it’s stated this way, why not simply leave off the “man wanting part” and jump straight into the laws as the Torah normally does?

I believe that the Torah specifically wishes to express the word Adam as an introduction to the concept of Karbonos.

The letters of the Hebrew Alphabet are sacred and infinitely deep. The Zohar and Talmud (Shabbos 104a) tell us that the Hebrew letters contain secrets of the world. If one takes the word בכר, firstborn, he is struck by its numerical value of 222 and the fact that it is comprised by the number two in hundreds (ר=200), tens (כ=20) and units (ב=2). The Vilna Goan explains that this signifies the Torah law of inheritance which states that the firstborn son gets a double portion of his father’s estate. When examining the letters which make up the word מדת, middos (literally: measurements, or character traits), one is struck by the fact that its value is 444. What does this mean?

The number four represents stability and support. A table with four legs is called sturdy. Though it can stand with three, the fourth leg is seen as adding support and reliance. So too one’s middos, character traits, when refined and developed, make a person a more functional and complete human being. Additionally, one’s character must be put to the test by four parties involved. (1) You yourself, (2) the person you are interacting with, (3) society’s moral view of your action and most importantly: (4) Hashem! When your actions pass this rigorous scrutiny, you have achieved proper middos (444)!

What is fascinating is the examination of the words Adam (אדם) and Emes (אמת) whom together spell: the man of truth, our noble goal in life. Each word begins with an Alef, which the Gemara (Shabbos 104a) tells us refers to Hashem Who is called The Chief (Aluf). The remaining combined letters between the two words are מדת, middos. The man of truth is defined by the development of his character traits.

This is the most powerful lesson of bringing Korbanos. Chazal say that it is not the slaughtering of the sacrifice that brings one forgiveness; it is not some esoteric or magical atonement. Rather, when the sinner takes to heart that he needs to repent and improve his actions and that Hashem allowed him to bring an animal sacrifice instead of himself, this is where the power lies. The Torah specifically mentions the word אדם, Adam, when introducing Korbanos in order to stress that only one who truly wants to improve and work on himself to become the man of truth and refined character, is considered to have brought a sincere and proper Korban!

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Categories: Parshas Vayikra Tags: Character Traits, Korbanos, Middos