This coming Shabbat, May 14-15, 2004 – Iyar 24, 5764 we will read Parshat Behar-Behukotai (annual cycle Leviticus 25:1-27:34; triennial cycle Leviticus 27:1-27:34). This is the fourth of six Sabbaths on which we read a double Torah portion during the year 5764. Also on this Sabbath, we conclude our annual reading of the Book of Leviticus.

The Haftarah reading is from Jeremiah 16:19-17:14.

The 27th and last chapter in the Book of Leviticus describes yet another process of funding the sanctuary in ancient times. This system assigns a monetary value to each person in every Israelite family. Since the valuation was based upon the amount of physical service a person might provide, males were assigned more than females and, up to a certain point, the older you were, the more you were assigned to contribute.

For example, for every male between the ages of 20 and 60, 50 shekels were contributed. For every female of the same age, 30 shekels were contributed. For every male between the ages of 5 and 20, 20 shekels were contributed; for every female, 10 shekels, and so on.

This is a system of valuation, but it is not to be confused with the way in which we ascribe “value” to human beings from within Judaism. Ultimately, from a religious viewpoint, we are all created equal and we are created in the image of God. Every human being has, in God’s eyes, at least theoretically, the same value. Whether we live up to that value is between God and us.

Valuation is different Some of us are able to do more than others because we have certain physical abilities that allow us to provide certain services that are not as easily provided by other people. Some of us are able to offer more time and specific skills to the synagogue. Some of us are able to offer and contribute more money. Valuation is the method by which a certain monetary amount is assigned to, or equal to, that which we can donate in service. That type of contribution is necessary and greatly appreciated, but it does not measure our value as Jewish human beings in the eyes of God.

One commentary asked the question as to why this Torah portion and, for that matter, the entire Book of Leviticus, end with this chapter on valuation. The answer is determined by closely examining what preceded this chapter. Much of Parshat Behukotai, virtually all of Chapter 26, consists of one of two sections found in the Torah known as the “Tochehah – the Rebuke.” This is the shorter and somewhat less violent description of curses that are to befall an unfaithful Israelite community. So what is the connection between the “Tochehah – Rebuke” section and the chapter on valuation?

The commentator known as the “Hozeh Mi–Lublin tells us, “Because at the time when the Jewish person reads or hears from the Torah reader, all these grievous curses, he may be likely to fall into the midst of a bitter depression – he might think and say, ‘What is my value? What is my significance now, less than the worth of a penny.’ Therefore, the Torah juxtaposed the Tochehah (rebuke) – next to the portion of Arachin (value) to inform us that despite all these negative statements, still, there always remains ‘erech – value,’ ‘l’nefesh adam miyisrael – to the soul of a Jewish person.’”

Instead of ending with the “tochehah,” instead of ending with rebuke, we end with “erech – value.” From this perspective it becomes much easier to then stand and declare, as God willing we will, right after this chapter is read, at the conclusion of our reading of the Book of Leviticus – “Hazak, hazak v’nithazayk – strong, strong, and we will become strong together.”

Candle lighting time is 7:53 P.M.

Our Friday night Confirmation service will begin at 7:30 P.M.

Our Shabbat morning service will be at 9:00 A.M. During the service we will celebrate the B’nai Mitzvah of Austin Skobel and Mitchell Zack. Mazel Tov!

Our service on Sunday morning, May 16 will begin at 8:45 A.M.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Philip Pohl

B'nai Shalom of Olney
18401 Burtfield Dr.
Olney, MD 20832
301-774-0879
301-774-3992 FAX