Vayikra 2023
Isaac’s Parsha Corner · 2023
Pay Attention
There are things in life that demand full attention with extreme negative consequences when that attention is dropped or impaired. Examples that come to mind involve driving an automobile (or any vehicle, boat, or airplane) crossing the street or carrying delicate objects. In Parsha Vayikra we are introduced to the consequences of failure to pay attention to normal life activities such as eating, walking, and speaking. The result of eating unkosher by accident could bring a person to a “Korban Chatas (guilt-offering).” The consequence of violating the Sabbath accidentally could in many cases require one to offer the same Chatas. The Korban Chatas is brought exclusively for inadvertent violation of what is a serious sin if done with intent. We need to be more aware of God in our performance of regular living so that we do not inadvertently sin. Elsewhere the Torah has similar lessons for failures of “Inattention”. The beheaded calf (Eglah Arupha) is offered when the town fails to pay enough attention to the plight of the lone traveler. Cities of refuge are there to provide a consequence for the accidental killing. Lack of attention to the behavior of a child may result in a “Ben Sorer Umoreh” (a wayward son) who is put to death! There are numerous commandments requiring us to pay attention to the poor, the widow, and the stranger. The Rambam has the Rabbi chair in the synagogue facing the people, presumably to force the spiritual leader to notice his people, are they happy or sad, or just absent! Often if we pay better attention to the signs we can predict and prevent negative events. It is often recorded that had we paid closer attention we could have prevented 9/11 and even the invasion of Ukraine. Placing closer attention to the people and to the events around us is a tall order but the resultant benefits can be immeasurable.
Good Shabbat