This week we begin the book of Leviticus, or Vayikra in Hebrew. Vayikra means to be called as in, “The Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting.” (Leviticus 1:1) To be called, that is to be drawn to a certain task, or field of work, or to make a particular contribution to the world, is not generally considered to be a Jewish idea. It is sounds “too Christian” to have a calling. But a cursory look at the Torah sees that God calls many to a particular task; just a few are Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, Jeremiah and Elijah. Each was singled out to perform a particular task in service to the Jewish people. Each of them resisted at first, but ultimately responded. According to Jewish tradition, each of us has a calling, a special purpose. The challenge is to be open to it, to respond to it and then to do it.

~Rabbi Dean

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