By: Samantha Ebner (12th)
In this week’s Parsha, Parsha Vayikra, Moshe is taught the laws of each of the Korbanot.
The Korbanot all have different purposes and thus must be handled carefully. The mincha (meal) offering must be brought with flour, olive oil, and frankincense; the shelamim (peace) offering must be burnt and given to the Kohanim; the chatat (sin) offering is used as an atonement for a sin one has committed; the asham (guilt) offering is brought if one misappropriated property, swore at another, or is unsure if he/she sinned.
From this week’s Parsha we learn the importance of atonement; Hashem gives us many ways to repair any wrongdoings we may have committed. We must always act ethically, honestly, and politely. However, we are humans and may mess up occasionally. When this occurs, we have a responsibility to rectify what we damaged and start anew.