Today we begin the book of Leviticus, so-called because it is concerned largely with the laws of the priesthood, the descendants of the tribe of Levi. The dominant theme, that of the sacrificial offerings brought on the altar, is introduced with these words: "A man who offers from you an offering to G-d..." The sequence of the words seems incongruous -- it should read, "A man from you who offers..." Underlying the ritual of sacrifices, the ceremonial acts of the Kohen, there is the intent of the donor of the offering. The animal offering was symbolic of a greater sacrifice,...
