The first word of the Book of Leviticus is one of a number of words whose letters stand out in a Torah scroll for being written differently than they usually appear. They are bigger or smaller than the letters next to them, or otherwise different. In the case of the word, vayikra, the aleph at the end of the word is very small compared to the rest of the word.
Vayikra means “[GOD] called,” and the verse begins “God called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting…” Many interpretations of the small aleph have been offered, but the prevailing teachings connect it with Moses’ humility. Moses’ combination of deep, honest humility with courageous leadership enables him to be in a relationship with God that even includes challenging and making demands of God.
Humility can be a tricky quality to strive for – just the need to strive for it is based on the understanding that we may have learned a habit of seeing ourselves as better than others. In societies where people are ranked in so many ways, it is near impossible not to experience feeling both superior at times and also inferior to others at times. But these powerful feelings are still only feelings. They don’t make it true. Jewish tradition holds that we all have a spark of the holy, and we are all descended from the same first human, to teach that we share a basic equality of value.
This basic equality can make us feel both small and great – similar to standing under the night sky. With Rosh Chodesh Nissan being this Wednesday night and Thursday, the new moon will become fuller each night until Passover begins with the full moon on Wednesday night April 1st. I invite you to join me in going outside each night for these weeks, to see the moon (or at least the sky if the moon is not visible). May it bring us both light and the chance to reflect on our basic connection, beyond comparisons, with other people and all of life.
Vayikra (Leviticus 1:1-5:26) Torah Reading Mar. 21, 2026: Humility, Equality and Watching the Moon Wax until Pesach
March 22, 2026 by Rabbi Julie Saxe-Taller • D'var Torah
The first word of the Book of Leviticus is one of a number of words whose letters stand out in a Torah scroll for being written differently than they usually appear. They are bigger or smaller than the letters next to them, or otherwise different. In the case of the word, vayikra, the aleph at the end of the word is very small compared to the rest of the word.
Vayikra means “[GOD] called,” and the verse begins “God called to Moses and spoke to him from the Tent of Meeting…” Many interpretations of the small aleph have been offered, but the prevailing teachings connect it with Moses’ humility. Moses’ combination of deep, honest humility with courageous leadership enables him to be in a relationship with God that even includes challenging and making demands of God.
Humility can be a tricky quality to strive for – just the need to strive for it is based on the understanding that we may have learned a habit of seeing ourselves as better than others. In societies where people are ranked in so many ways, it is near impossible not to experience feeling both superior at times and also inferior to others at times. But these powerful feelings are still only feelings. They don’t make it true. Jewish tradition holds that we all have a spark of the holy, and we are all descended from the same first human, to teach that we share a basic equality of value.
This basic equality can make us feel both small and great – similar to standing under the night sky. With Rosh Chodesh Nissan being this Wednesday night and Thursday, the new moon will become fuller each night until Passover begins with the full moon on Wednesday night April 1st. I invite you to join me in going outside each night for these weeks, to see the moon (or at least the sky if the moon is not visible). May it bring us both light and the chance to reflect on our basic connection, beyond comparisons, with other people and all of life.