The Shift to Man
Adam - Man.
This is the first word of the first commandment in the book of Leviticus, the third book of the Torah, and it represents a dramatic shift of focus.
The second book of the Torah, the book of Exodus, focuses on Divine revelation. G-d descending to Egypt to liberate his people; the revelation at Sinai, and the commandment to build the tabernacle, a place where “I {G-d} will dwell amongst them”.
Indeed, the final verses of Exodus highlight how G-d’s presence was manifest in the tabernacle:
And the cloud covered the Tent of Meeting, and the glory of the Lord filled the Mishkan…
For the cloud of the Lord was upon the Mishkan by day, and there was fire within it at night, before the eyes of the entire house of Israel in all their journeys. (Exodus 40:34-38)
And then, in the third book, the focus shifts.
When a man from {among} you brings an offering to the Lord; from animals, from cattle or from the flock you shall bring your offering. (Leviticus 1:2)
In the third book, the focus is not about G-d coming close to man, but rather the focus shifts to the actions a human being takes to bring himself closer to G-d.
Indeed, as the Chasidic masters explain, the Torah understands the limitation of the "awakening from above”, when G-d initiates the relationship, which does not create a lasting impact unless it is followed by an "awakening from below”, the effort and investment of man to get close to G-d.
We each experience moments of “revelation”, an extraordinary experience, or sudden inspiration. It can be a holiday, a beautiful spring day, or an anniversary. We are inspired to be more focused on our values and more connected to the people we love. Yet, the inspiration will pass. In order for the inspiration to endure, we need to realize that it depends on us. On the word in the beginning of Leviticus. On “man”. The inspiration will only continue if we invest our own self, our own contribution.
The book of Leviticus reminds us of the limits of inspiration and the power of small daily actions. The limits of an extraordinary event, and the power of daily habit.