Today's date and time:

Sermon for Sidra Vayikra
March 2007
by Rabbi Geoffrey Hyman

The very opening word of our Sidra, which also designates the name of the third book of the Torah, is Vayikra.

But why is the word Vayikra written with a small aleph?

Various answers are given - Rashi says read it as if written "Vayikor," which was the verb used for G-d’s appearance to Balaam - the heathen prophet to the nations who lived in the Middle East during the time of Moses. The use of the word "Vayikor" has other verbal connotations associated with impurity. So Moshe put in a small alef in order to play down that he was special - that G-d specially called upon him.

Humbleness or humility are not normally associated with success in the wider world. Often in the world of politics and commerce it is the big head who gets the promotion. But in the world of the Torah - humility is considered incredibly important.

G-d himself leads the way - and sets the example:

We read on Motzaei Shabbos in Vetetin lecha the quote from Megilla 31a that Rebbi Yochanan said: “Wherever you find mentioned the greatness of G-d it is there you will also find mentioned His humility. It gives three examples of this from the Chumash, Niviim (Prophets), and the Kituvim (Writings). Interestingly in each example given, the illustration for G-d’s humility is about caring for the less fortunate in life.

And so the Midrashim are full of the importance of behaving with humility!!!

The Midrash states that when G-d appeared to Moses the very first time it was from a low shrub, the burning bush, in order to teach Moshe the importance of humility. And so G-d chose to give the Torah at Sinai because it was the lowest of all mountains - again to teach humility. And so there are numerous examples.

Humility is not about going around forshleppt or shlochi. Look at Moses - we’re told in the Torah that he was the most humble of all mankind - yet does he obviously appear so? He rebukes the Children of Israel, he stands up to the rebellion of Korach and his followers, and he argues with one of the greatest leaders of his time, Pharoah. He is certainly not meek and mild!

The act of humility is not about mere appearances, but about the inner recognition of one's limitations as a human being, it's about knowing ones faults and showing care and compassion to others.

Humility is also about realizing the great power of Hashem, knowing that the Holy One is above and that, in turn, creates faith and trust in the Almighty.

The story is told of the guy who wrote to a Rebbe explaining how he didn’t feel he was growing in his commitment to Yiddishkeit which deeply frustrated him.

The Rebbe simply returned his letter highlighting his excessive use of the letter “I”.

The big I - the ego is what blocks our spiritual progression, and stunts our growth.

May Hashem always grant us "saitya deshimaya" - heavenly help - in our quest for spiritual growth.

Amen.