Vayikra begins with G-d calling Moses:
And G-d called to Moses; and G-d spoke to him out of the Tent of Meeting, saying:
"Speak to the children of Israel and say to them: A man who shall bring of you an offering to G-d..." - Leviticus 1:1-2
The book of Leviticus teaches the laws of sacrificial offerings. Interestingly, the last letter of the first word in this book -- Vayikra, G-d's call to Moses -- is written with an unusually small aleph. What does it tell us?
There are all kinds of "offerings" we can give to
G-d: our energy and talents, our dispositions and thoughts, our words and deeds. These all create a kinder home for G-d in this world.
When the world is smiling at us, when we are feeling "big" and productive, it can be easier to feel connected to G-d. But what about during the drudgery or pettiness of life, when we are feeling unfulfilled and uninspired?
Maintaining our connection -- finding our "offering" -- in times of dullness and restlessness remains our greatest challenge.
And perhaps that's when we most need to remember: Vayikra, G-d is calling to us, even in these moments of smallness and loneliness, inviting us to bring our offering and to come close.
--From the newly released
Shabbat deLights