On Sunday, I had an opportunity to hear the Kindergarten through Second Grade students sing the Four Questions. The Mah Nishtanah is one of my favorite customs of the Passover Seder. Listening to the youngest members of our families provoke the elders with the many ways Passover is different from other Jewish holidays always brings joy to my heart. In honor of this tradition, I would like to present to you the four questions of the book of Leviticus, the book of Torah we begin today:
Mah Nishtanah Ha’Sefer Ha’Zeh MiKol HaSifrot
How is this Book different from all the other books?
- In all the other books of the Torah, there are stories to tell.This book is only about the daily offerings and duties of the Levitical priests.
- All the other books of the Torah are meant for everyone, this book is only meant for the priests.
- In all other books blood, guts, famine, and pestilence, are off to the side.In this book they are front and central.
- And, lastly, in all other books there are lessons to be learned and prayers to be shared.In this book, we learn just how to live our lives, by just living our life.
This is all not meant to disparage Leviticus. It is one of my favorites of the five books. Where else can you really see how our ancestors lived. To learn more join us Friday night at Shir Shalom and Sunday morning at North Presbyterian, where Rev. Bill Hennessy and I will share insights about the central rule of the book of Leviticus, “love your neighbor as yourself.” I very much look forward to the discussion.
Shabbat Shalom and a happy beginning to the Hebrew month of Nisan,
Rabbi Alex