WRJ Voices: Vayikra

In parashah Vayikra, we learn about the sacrifices the Israelites need to make for God. We learn that animal sacrifice is a way to approach and to be near God. The rituals of sacrifice were performed as a way to thank God for good fortune and to ask forgiveness for sins. It is not just the priests who are instructed about how to approach God but the entire community, men and women alike. The community supplies the animals and the priests help to slaughter them. These sacrifices were not easy, however, to the Israelites; it was a way to bring them closer to God.

Although the sacrifice of animals is not part of our modern practice, we can be guided by it in choosing sacrifices that bring us closer to God. We open the path to approach God with our prayers when we work to make amends for offenses our society inflicts on our fellow human beings. When we commit transgressions, either by mistake or intentionally, prayer gives us the opportunity to take responsibility and seek forgiveness. Our mistakes do not have to define who we are. Our interactions with God can serve as a blueprint for our interactions with each other. Kindness, compassion, and generosity are acts of benevolence that each of us can practice in our daily lives.

Members of WRJ sacrifice time, talent, and money to help correct wrongs by standing up for civil rights and justice. For more than 100 years WRJ has pioneered social action in the Reform Movement. From advancing women’s leadership and equality, to championing critical social justice issues, WRJ has been at the forefront of tikkun olam.  Through civil rights and economic justice initiatives, all members are given the opportunity to help correct wrongs and make a profound difference in our world. 

Not sure about how you can make a difference? Join WRJ in Washington, D.C. to learn, grow, and take action at the inaugural WRJ Social Justice Conference (SJC) on May 18-19, 2019. This is an opportunity to come together as Jewish women to become better-educated and trained on social justice issues, learn advocacy skills, and address timely topics in a welcoming and encouraging, all-female Jewish environment. The conference will provide a brief but powerful experience for attendees. More information and registration are available here.

The greatest lesson we learn from this parashah is not in the text but in the fact that this portion seems so foreign to us. Judaism has been kept alive by our ability to remember the past and build on the foundation of what has been to create hope and possibility. WRJ provides the path to creating hope and possibility for our future. By fulfilling our mission, we strengthen the voice of women worldwide and empower them to create caring communities, nurture congregations, cultivate personal and spiritual growth, and advocate for and promote progressive Jewish values. We are Stronger Together!

Pat Blum has been an active member of Temple Emanuel in McAllen, Texas for over 30 years. She was the first president of WRJ Southwest District. She is a former WRJ Board Member after serving for 12 years. Pat has served in many capacities on the board and is particularly proud to have served as the board secretary for four years.