Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Leviticus 14:31 mean in simple terms?
A: Leviticus 14:31 discusses the offerings a person brings after being purified from certain impurities (like tzara'at, often mistranslated as 'leprosy'). The verse explains that even if someone cannot afford expensive offerings, they can bring what they can afford—one animal as a sin offering and another as a burnt offering, along with a meal offering. The kohen (priest) then performs atonement for them before Hashem.
Q: Why is this verse about offerings important in Judaism?
A: This verse teaches the importance of accessibility in serving Hashem. The Torah emphasizes that everyone, regardless of financial status, can achieve atonement and spiritual purification. Rashi explains that Hashem values sincere repentance and effort, not the monetary value of the offering. This principle applies to many mitzvot—what matters is doing one’s best within their means.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Leviticus 14:31 today?
A: The verse teaches that Hashem does not demand the impossible—He accepts our service according to our abilities. The Rambam (Hilchot Ma'aseh HaKorbanot) highlights that the Torah considers a person’s financial situation, showing divine compassion. Today, this reminds us that mitzvot and teshuvah (repentance) are achievable for everyone, regardless of wealth or status.
Q: How does the purification process in this verse work?
A: After recovering from tzara'at (a spiritual affliction often caused by sins like lashon hara, evil speech), a person brings offerings to the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Leviticus 14:31 specifies that if they cannot afford expensive animals, they bring smaller offerings (like birds). The kohen offers them, and through this process—along with repentance—the person is spiritually cleansed before Hashem (as explained in the Talmud, Arachin 16a).
Q: Does this verse still apply without the Temple?
A: While we cannot bring physical offerings today without the Beit HaMikdash, the principle remains relevant. The Talmud (Berachot 17a) teaches that sincere prayer and acts of kindness can substitute for sacrifices. The Rambam (Hilchot Teshuvah) also states that repentance is the primary means of atonement. Thus, the lesson—that Hashem accepts our efforts within our means—still guides our spiritual growth.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Vayikra 14:21) appears in the Torah portion discussing the purification process for a metzora (one afflicted with tzara'at, often translated as leprosy). The verse outlines the offerings required for atonement and purification, with an emphasis on accommodating those with limited financial means.
Explanation of the Offerings
Financial Accessibility
The phrase "אֵת אֲשֶׁר־תַּשִּׂיג יָדוֹ" ("such as his means permit") underscores the Torah's compassion. The Sifra (Metzora 3:7) emphasizes that the Torah provides flexibility, allowing even the poor to bring smaller offerings (such as birds instead of lambs) without compromising the atonement process. This reflects the principle that sincere repentance, not financial status, is paramount.
Role of the Kohen
The verse concludes with the kohen's duty to effect atonement ("וְכִפֶּר הַכֹּהֵן"). The Kli Yakar highlights that the kohen serves as a spiritual intermediary, ensuring the offerings are properly presented before Hashem. This mirrors the broader theme of the kohen facilitating reconciliation between the individual and the Divine.
Spiritual Message
Chassidic commentaries (e.g., the Sfat Emet) derive a lesson in divine mercy: just as the Torah accommodates varying financial capacities, Hashem accepts sincere repentance at all levels. The purification process thus becomes a model for personal growth—atonement is attainable for all who earnestly seek it.