Perashat Vayikra 5777

Perashat Vayikra 5777

Vayikra : Punctuated Affection
Caresses, expressions of one sort or another, are necessary to the life of the affections as leaves are to the life of a tree. If they are wholly restrained, love will die at the roots.
- Nathaniel Hawthorn

The book of Shemot ended with a suspenseful cliffhanger. After constructing the Mishkan, all had come together as planned and G-d's Glory filled its entire space. But what should have happened next did not. Moshe was meant to enter the Mishkan and begin service but we are told instead that: 

Moshe was not able to come into the Tent of Appointment, for the...Glory of G-d filled the dwelling. (Ex., 40:34)

For some reason G-d kept Moshe out. Would he eventually be allowed in? We don't find out until the opening words of the next book which tell us that Moshe was indeed personally invited in by G-d and room was made for his entry.

And He called to Moshe...(1:1)

Moshe was of course welcomed into G-d's space as was expected but he was first held at bay so that G-d could personally invite him; setting a warm and affectionate tone to the event that would continue every time that G-d spoke to Moshe. Every piece of dialogue and engagement between them opened with warmth.

Vayikra teaches us that a personal invitation to Moshe preceded every declaration, every statement, and every commandment [of G-d]. 'Vayikra' is the language of affection and care. (Rashi, ibid.)

More important than Moshe doing the service was that he first know that he, and the nation, were precious to G-d and that the commandments were not simply logistical orders but actions occurring within a loving relationship.

With this consistent, caring address G-d maintained the awareness of the underlying affection that framed His entire relationship with Moshe and Israel. It began every interaction. This was particularly important considering that at some points the commandments and comments that would follow would be severe and strong in nature which could have cast doubt on the love. It was essential that, especially when certain statements might sound inconsistent with the overall tenor of the relationship, the assertion and validation of its true condition were there. 

Relationships suffer when doubt seeps in concerning their integrity. When actions and words seem unreliable or insincere, or when little or nothing is said that validates the feelings between the people involved, the foundation of care upon which a relationship must be built falters.

The regular care that G-d showed to Moshe with the personal call to dialogue kept the awareness of the relationship's warmth ever-present. There was no doubt as to the feelings and commitment G-d had towards Moshe. 

Creating such moments of endearment is essential even if they are small, punctuated reminders. As long as they are genuine and filled with love, they stand as protections against the cold, harsh and cutting effects of uncertainty. 

G-d used Vayikra - the special call to Moshe - to punctuate His bond with warmth and care. In doing so, the Almighty set an example for our other relationships. The 'minor' statements of real affection are not minor at all. They are the ironclad pins that hold the vulnerable edifice of love intact