2020/5780

The Parsha starts off this week with an unusual beginning. It says: “Vayikra El Moshe Vayidaber Hashem Elav MeiOhel Moeid Leimor,” “And He called out to Moshe, and He Spoke to Moshe in the Ohel Moeid to say” (Vayikra 1:1). If Hashem was conversing with Moshe, this section should have instead begun with the usual introduction: “Vayidaber Hashem El Mose Laimor,” “And Hashem said to Moshe to say” Why does the Torah use this unusual formulation? 

To understand the reason for this change we must look at what happened before this week’s Parashah. When Moshe Rabbeinu ascended Har Sinai, he left behind vulnerable leaders. During the Cheit HaEigel, even when only a minority of the people rose up, the system of leadership that Moshe left behind crumbled. In his absence, the people built the Eigel HaZahav. In response, Moshe smashed the Luchot, showing Bnei Yisrael who was in charge, and, with Shevet Levi standing by him, executed 3,000 people. After pleading with Hashem for forgiveness on behalf of the Jewish people, Moshe Rabbeinu went back up Har Sinai and brought down the second  Luchot. The Jews were told to build the Mishkan, and, when it was completed, the Shechinah came down and rested upon the Mishkan, signaling to the Jews that as long as they turned their Neshamot toward Hashem, He would always protect them. 

The Jews were in a vulnerable place post-Eigel. Their fate hung in the balance with Hashem threatening to destroy them. If Moshe had not stood up for them, they would have been obliterated. 

Bnei Yisrael needed a leader to guide them spiritually and physically. That is why Hashem appeared to Moshe “out-of-the-blue” (ויקר). Hashem wanted to send Moshe the message that he needed to be ready to tackle any situation that may arise. 

Furthermore, feeling a mix of anger and shock after descending the mountain, Moshe’s judgment may have been clouded, prompting him to throw down the Luchot. Hashem was telling Moshe that he must be of clear mind before He would address him. Once in this correct state, Moshe Rabbeinu could address the nation.