The Book of Leviticus is remarkably sparse when it comes to narrative, indulging only in the deaths of Aaron's eldest sons, Nadav and Abihu, and the fellow who was foolish enough to blaspheme against the Lord while in the midst of fisticuffs; otherwise the only action is God speaking to Moses and, occasionally, Moses and Aaron.

But it is possible to eke out some meaning from the legislation regulating encounters between humans and the holy: in this week's reading we are instructed regarding the sacrifices, and it is important to note: at the sacrificial meal we are the guests, and God is our host. In other Eastern religions during Biblical times the custom was to invoke the God's presence and share a portion of one's meal. Not so for the Israelites: we bring the sacrifice to God's House where it is transformed into a meal that God is sharing with us. To God belong the Sacred Fats, to the Priest belongs the right shoulder, and the rest is for us to enjoy in the presence of the Divine.

In a post-Temple world we create within our homes a mikdash me'at - a "little tabernacle" where our table is transformed into God's altar, we become the priests, the portion of the dough taken for Challah stands in for the Sacred Fats, and the rest of the meal becomes our communion with the Divine.