This week we begin the third book of Torah, Vayikra, known in English as Leviticus. The parsha begins: "[Vayikra] And He called to Moshe, and the L-rd spoke to him…"
Usually when G-d speaks to Moshe in Torah, the text says "G-d spoke to Moshe, saying…" Why does G-d here call to Moshe before addressing him?
Writes Rashi: "Calling is a language of affection, the language that the ministering angels use, as it says 'one called to the other and said…'" Rashi then notes that when G-d communicates with prophets of the other nations of the world, He uses "language of transitoriness and impurity." He gives the example of Bilam: [Vayikar Elokim] G-d "happened upon" Bilam. (Bamidbar/Numbers 23:4)
Rabbi Abba Wagensberg cites on aish.com the explanation of the commentator Shem MiShmuel: for Bilam, communicating with G-d is just something that "happens", in other words, just another event in Bilam's life. Writes Rabbi Wagensberg: "Speaking with G-d did not change Bilam or move him to grow in any way…he was not willing to change any aspect of his lifestyle."
According to Rabbi Wagensberg, "The point of Torah is to make a difference and spur us to growth. Surface knowledge that doesn't make a difference in our lives is almost worthless. The true value of Torah is revealed when we allow it to penetrate, and when we use that wisdom to change our lives."
G-d calls to Moshe to teach him the laws concerning the sacrifices. The Hebrew word for sacrifices, korbanot, shares a root with the Hebrew word karov, near. This teaches that the purpose of sacrifice is to grow closer to G-d.
Write Rabbi Yisroel and Rabbi Osher Anshel Jungreis: "Teaching Torah must always be preceded by a call that is an expression of love, concern and closeness. Only when such a relationship has been formed, only when such bonding takes place, can the Torah teacher have a positive impact on his disciples."
As parents, we must convey G-d's words with love, warmth and kindness. Only then will our children be able to absorb the teaching and make it a permanent part of their lives.
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