Leviticus has a reputation for being full of obscure details and outdated rituals. Parashat Vayikra certainly lives up to this reputation; with all manner of sin offerings and burnt offerings, slaughtered bulls and smouldering wheat cakes, pleasing odours and strewn innards. But rather than rendering the text irrelevant it presents us with a challenge and motivates us to search for the meaning behind these ancient practices.
If it is the whole community of Israel that has erred and the matter escapes the notice of the congregation, so that they do any of the things which by the Lord's commandments ought not to be done, and they realize their guilt - when the sin through which they incurred guilt becomes known, the congregation shall offer a bull of the herd as a sin offering, and bring it before the Tent of Meeting. (Leviticus XX:13-14)
