תיקון האדם

This Shabbat is relatively quiet. We start the third book of the Torah, ויקרא. This book is also known as תורת כהנים as it deals with many of the laws connected with Kohanim and their service in the Beit Hamikdash.

This Parsha discusses the various sacrifices that were offered for various types of transgressions. The word קרבן has in it the word, קרוב, as the sacrifices were a means of getting closer to Hashem.

The של״ה הקודש says that the word אדם is used instead of איש. The אדם in the Parsha refers to אדם הראשון and the damage to the world because of his sin. In essence, the book of ויקרא emphasizes תיקון האדם, that man has a lifelong task of self improvement.

My seven year old grandson, Aaron David complained that everyone is always telling him to try to be better and work harder. He asked when he will be left alone and people like me will stop telling him to improve.

I told him that this will go on throughout his life. We have to continue to try harder and work on ourselves as long as there is breath within us. This is תיקון האדם. Shabbat Shalom