As we begin rereading the Book of Vayikra, it is hard to ignore the discomfort.

A book of sacrifices, offerings, and priestly rituals feels far removed from the realities of today’s world. In an age of geopolitics, conflict, and ideological struggle, it is tempting to see Vayikra as a relic — even a form of ancient cult practice with little relevance to modern life.

But that conclusion would be a mistake.

The Book of Leviticus opens in an unexpected way.

“And He called to Moses…”

The Hebrew word Vayikra means “He called.” It is an invitation — not a command shouted from a mountain, but a call to come closer.

Immediately the Torah begins describing the system of korbanot, offerings brought in the Mishkan. For many modern readers, these sacrifices can feel distant and difficult to understand. Yet beneath the ritual language lies a profound moral framework that speaks directly to the challenge of building a just society.

In today’s world, this lesson feels particularly relevant.

We live in an era shaped by wars, ideological conflict, and geopolitical struggles over power and resources. Nations pursue security and influence, but the moral frameworks that guide those pursuits are often fragile or contested.

The Torah proposes a different vision.

It imagines a society where power is restrained by law, where leaders are accountable, where the poor can approach God with the same dignity as the wealthy, and where wrongdoing is acknowledged and repaired rather than denied.

This vision became the foundation of Israel’s covenantal mission.

Israel was never meant to be simply another nation competing for power. The Torah presents it as an experiment in building a society grounded in justice, responsibility, and holiness.

That aspiration has never been easy. History repeatedly shows how difficult it is for any nation to live up to such ideals. Yet the call of Vayikra remains.

God calls not only to Moses but to every generation.

The question that echoes through the opening of........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)