When discussing a sin offering the Posuk begins in a singular language and ends in plural.  This is explained that since every Jew is responsible for every other, when one sins ALL deserve punishment.  Therefore when one atones for his sin, the entire Jewish nation is relieved of the burden of that sin.  We are all in one boat, you cant drill a hole underneath your seat and say “it is under my seat so it doesnt affect you” when the boat floods we will all drown together.

The sin offering brought by a wealthy person is an animal whereas a poor person brings a flour offering.  The word used in reference to the flour offering is “soul” it is not used by the wealthy person’s animal offering.  When a person brings a sin offering it is in place of his very soul.  It may be more recognizable to the pauper who is only spending a few dollars and realizes that it is not enough to atone. However the one spending much money may feel that is enough, but it is not.

The purpose of creation is so that we can glorify HaShem.  To that end we were given many mitzvos.  Some are done with our hands, some with our feet, eyes ears etc.  This is so that we can fulfil the Posuk “all my bones shall exclaim “Hashem who is like you” meaning so that we can glorify Hashem with everyone of our body parts.  We have different mitzvos for different parts of the body to come together to proclaim the majesty of Hashem

There is a mitzva in this week’s parsha to keep a fire burning on the alter at all times. We know from different sources in the Talmud that when a sacrifice was brought a fire came down from heaven to “eat” the offering.  Why then was it necessary to keep the fire burning eternally if there was a fire coming down regardless? We do this to continue the illusion that the world works solely by natural means.  Were this not the case and we were to clearly see Hashem at work, we would not have the opportunity to sin.  Without the freedom of choice we could not be rewarded for doing the right thing.  Hashem wants to do good to us and therefore he leaves us with the choice to do wrong so that we do the right thing and he can reward us!

There is a posuk in the Torah that does not allow one to subtract nor add to any mitzva.  If one were to do either one, add or delete, it is a blatant declaration that the person doing so does not believe in the divinity of the Torah.  If someone says that “I keep all the mitzvos except, I dont do x.”  That means that he is doing what he want and it is mostly according the Torah. If someone adds (to a / a) mitzva they are very clearly doing the same thing.

When we pray we should bear in mind that we are literally standing and talking to HaShem.  Knowing this should bring with it two different realizations.  One is the tremendous privelage that we have to be able to speak to the Creator and Ruler of the universe and ask Him for whatever we want…anything!  The second is the tremendous responsibility, we are standing in front of the Creator, and we must have the awe and proper respect that goes with it.

Hashem never gives someone a test they can’t pass.  When in a situation that seems overwhelming and insurmountable remember G-d who created you, knows you  posses the strength to pass that test and do the right thing.  Our greatest growth is through tests. A person who constantly finds themselves being stretched to their limits , should realize that Hashem loves them and wants them to grow, and that is why they are receiving these hard tests.

When bringing a sacrifice a wealthy person brought a cow, while a person of lesser means brought a bird. They are both described by the Torah with the very same words “a pleasant aroma to G-d” The Sages expound on this and say: it doesn’t matter whether one gives a lot or a little, so long as their intentions are for Hashem. Let’s bear this in mind and do what we can with the proper intention, and never feel that since we can give or do so little it is worthless.  It certainly is NOT!

The Mishna in Avos states:  Who is rich, he who is happy with his lot.  We might define wealth as having a nice house, fancy car or even a lot of money in the bank.  These two definitions are not contradictory.  Being rich means having enough money to buy everything that one may want.  Therefore true wealth is having everything that you want – being happy with your lot!

A person is consistently blessed to receive “moments of inspiration”.  All too often unfortunately we let these moments slip by.  We must try to grab them as they appear.  We can learn from the exodus the proper method to serve Hashem.  At the time of the Exodus all was done with great haste, this was a “moment of inspiration” that needed to be grabbed.  In later years once we had become more accustomed to the service, it is to be done more thoughtfully to be sure it is being done properly.  That first moment however, must be grabbed exactly as it is.