This sheet on Leviticus 1 was written by Ruby Namdar for 929 and can also be found here
Sacrifice, this is what Leviticus is all about. But what is the true meaning of sacrifice? Leviticus, and the Bible in general, does not explain, or lay out any motivation. It prescribes, in great detail, a set of rituals, of actions – and does not elaborate on the intentions that are attached to them. The role of exploring the hidden meaning behind these cultic actions is left for us, the readers.
The opaqueness of the text allows for endless interpretation possibilities, and gives us the freedom to attach new meaning to the ancient scripture, to make it ours according to our own generation’s sensibilities. The Hebrew name of Leviticus, Vayikra, means “He called unto”, but it can also mean “He read”, as if the name itself is an invitation to read new meaning into old texts and practices.
Sacrifice, on its face, is an ancient practice that has very little relevance to our life today. It is usually referred to as an almost pathetic effort made by mortals to appease the great forces of the universe with their meager offerings. But the notion of sacrifice is much more sophisticated and interesting.
Sacrifice is a way for us, mortals, to gain a sense of agency. It is a tool for cosmic intervention, a way in which we do our share in restoring the cosmic balance. In a time when humanity is feeling (and sadly, often failing) the need to assume global responsibility – a task much bigger than we’ve ever dared to take on in previous generations – the language and symbolism of sacrifice suddenly seems refreshingly contemporary.
Ruby Namdar is the author of The Ruined House (2013 - Harper Collins, 2017) which won Israel's Sapir Prize, and teaches Jewish literature.
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