Overview of Leviticus

My father presented the following overview of Levitcus:

Though the third book of the Torah, Leviticus is known as well as Torat Kohanim (Torah of the Priests), since the opening portions deal with karbanot (“sacrifices”), the Book deals with many aspects of the law, not only the laws pertaining to karbanot. Two of the most frequently quoted verses (though not frequently observed) are found in Leviticus: “Love thy neighbor as thyself” [19:18]; “Proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” [25:10]

The idea of karbanot is misunderstood by many. God does not need our “sacrifices,” but we do. The concept of bringing karbanot is to teach all of us to be generous. While it may seem that making an offering is a sacrifice, in truth, giving is a great privilege. Actually, we do not give that which is ours, but share God’s blessing, since His will is the source of all our wealth. The purpose of bringing sacrifices is to teach all of us that for our own benefit, for the welfare of our society and all of mankind we must sacrifice a little, and then we gain a great deal. Sacrifices should teach us the interdependence of man. Man cannot live by himself and should not live just for himself, but must learn to give of himself for the benefit of others, of his society and of all mankind,

Whether we want to or not, we do make sacrifices, but the question is for what purpose, for good or for bad. The choice is ours. (If we learn to sacrifice for peace, we will not have to sacrifice for war.) The lesson of sacrifices is since it is necessary in life to make sacrifices, they should be made “to God” [1:1], for a holy purpose.

The order within Leviticus is significant. After presenting the laws of karbanot, Leviticus continues with Parashat Kedoshim, which admonishes us to be a holy nation. Learning the lesson of sacrifices leads to achieving holiness.

In Parashat Kedoshim, we read the mitzva “love your neighbor as yourself.” [19:18] This follows the laws of sacrifices to teach that we must care for and love our fellow man even when it is difficult, even at the cost of making sacrifices. Without the willingness to sacrifice on behalf of our brothers, our expression of love for our fellows has the risk of being empty of meaning. Willingness to love our neighbor only when there is no cost to us, is hardly a true expression of love.

In Parashat Beḥukotai, the final parasha of Leviticus, we read: “proclaim liberty throughout the land unto all the inhabitants thereof.” [25:10] Thus, bringing sacrifices for holiness leads to freedom.

Perhaps the reason Leviticus begins with karbanot and goes on to “love thy neighbor” and to “proclaim liberty” is to teach that it is through willingness to make offerings, to give of one’s wealth and oneself, that love among neighbors and true freedom can be achieved.

The third verse of Leviticus states that karbanot are to be brought “of one’s free will,” and ibn Ezra notes that free will is an essential condition for Divine acceptance of the korban. When one is willing to give and help, he will realize that giving is a privilege, not a sacrifice.