The Book of Vayikra opens with the various sacrifices that are offered. Many commentators draw a parallel to the sacrifices of Cain and Abel: Cain brought from the fruit of the soil an offering to the LORD. And Abel too had brought from the choice firstlings of his flock…Unlike Cain, Abel brought “from the choice”

Sometimes people are driven to give charity out of peer pressure or for some ulterior motive. Usually this is acceptable and even praiseworthy – since the goal is to help the needy and so the motive is less important. The Tabernacle – God’s house – is different. God is not “needy” and therefore the verse

And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “See, I have called by name Bezalel son of Uri son of Hur, of the tribe of Judah. Bezalel, the grandson of Hur, was chosen to construct the Mishkan. Who was Hur? Rashi identifies him as Miriam’s son and Josephus claims he was Miriam’s husband. Miriam was Moses’

And you Moses, bring you forward Aaron your brother and his sons with him from the midst of the Israelites to be priests to Me…A midrash suggests that there were unanswered questions about Aaron’s role in making the golden calf. Moses thought his brother deserved some blame, and Aaron was disappointed in himself. In requiring