Parshat Shemini, (Leviticus 9:1-9:16), 3/16/14

Now it is time for Aaron to deal with the sins of his people. Sins are against G_d.  It seems that this is a point where the bar is being raised. Everyone is being cleansed by this offering. It is as if they will be getting on a ship, ready for the adventure of life, and they have on their Sunday best.

“3. And to the children of Israel, you shall speak, saying, ‘Take a he goat as a sin offering; and a calf and a lamb, [both] in their first year and [both] unblemished, as a burnt offering,
4. and an ox and a ram as peace offerings, to slaughter before the Lord, and a meal offering mixed with oil, for today the Lord is appearing to you.’”