Vayikra/Zachor: Finding the Shalom in the Shelamim

Rav Johnny's original thoughts on the weekly parsha

Among the various sacrifices listed in Parshat Vayikra is the ‘shelamim’ (Vayikra 3:1-17) which is an offering brought by an individual to express thanks to God.

In general, ‘shelamim’ is translated as ‘peace offering’ because, as Rashi explains (Vayikra 3:1) while quoting the Torat Kohanim, ‘the [shelamim] bring peace into the world’, or alternatively, because ‘there is peace in [the shelamim] for the altar, the kohanim and the owner’ – meaning that the sacrifice is divided by three, expressing a fair and peaceful distribution.

Interestingly, the Zohar (Vayikra 11:1) understands the shelamim differently, noting that it represents peace ‘both for the upper and lower realms.’ In fact, the Zohar goes so far as to say that the unique expression of peace of the shelamim is so special that, ‘of all the offerings, none are so beloved to the Holy One, Blessed is He, as the shelamim.’ This itself may be why both Targum Onkelos and Targum Yonatan refer to the shelamim as ‘offerings of holiness’.

However, as Rav Zalman Sorotzkin explains (in his Oznayim LaTorah, Vayikra 3:1), while the shelamim is a special and holy sacrifice, ‘the shelamim is of lesser holiness’ (kodshim kalim). This is because, ‘it may be eaten even outside the Temple Courtyard’ and anywhere in the city of Jerusalem by any person (see Mishna Zevachim 5:7). Given this, why, asks Rabbi Sorotzkin, should the shelamim, which is of lesser sanctity, be so beloved to God?

In answering this question, Rav Sorotzkin explains that among the various categories of shelamim is the thanks-offering brought by those who have been spared from a life-threatening situation. ‘Generally, when an individual feels that God has performed wonders for them, they are moved to bring a peace-offering of thanks… and they then invite a large gathering of people and joyfully recount and share with them the many wondrous deeds which God performed for them. Our Sages often spoke about the special value of thanks, pointing out that the other offerings are brought because of sins: the sin-offering, the guilt-offering, and even the elevation-offering…As the Midrash explains, ‘Therefore the Holy One, Blessed is He, says: “It is more beloved to Me than all other offerings”. King David exclaims, “He who brings a thanks-offering will honour Me” (Tehillim 50:23) – both in this world and the next’ (Midrash Tanchuma, Tzav 7).

What this teaches us is that the shelamim helps bring us closer to God and to each other. Yes, the shelamim may be less ‘holy’ as it can be eaten anywhere in the holy city. However, the reason for this is to ensure that as many people as possible can partake in the shelamim. So though it technically has lesser sanctity as a sacrifice, it is also more beloved by God.

Having mentioned Parshat Vayikra and the shelamim offering, it seems fitting to reference the extra Maftir which we will be reading this Shabbat, Parshat Zachor, which reminds us that while we value life and pursues goodness in this world, there are others who venerate death and who wish to bring destruction to the world.

As Parshat Zachor makes clear, we don’t forget those who have sought to harm us, and we won’t forgive those who have caused us harm. At the same time, what we learn from the shelamim is the value of doing what we can to see good in the world, to thank God for the blessings we have been bestowed, and to pursue peace wherever possible.

Shabbat Shalom & Purim Sameach!

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