Our exploration begins with a seemingly simple verse from Leviticus (1:2): "Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them: When a man among you sacrifices an offering to the Lord, you shall bring your offering from the animals, from the herd or from the flock you shall bring your offering.” But within these words, the Midrash finds a connection to something far deeper.
Vayikra Rabbah 2, drawing a line from Leviticus to Jeremiah 31:20 ("Is Ephraim a precious [yakir] son to Me?"), embarks on a fascinating journey to define what is considered yekarim – precious things – in God's eyes. It's not just about material wealth or social standing, but something far more profound.
So, what makes something truly precious? According to this Midrash, there are ten things deemed yekarim: Torah, prophecy, understanding, knowledge, even foolishness, wealth, the righteous, the death of the pious, kindness, and, finally, Israel itself. Quite a list, isn't it?
Let's break it down. The Midrash doesn't just state these things; it anchors them in scripture. Torah’s preciousness? "It is more precious [yekara] than pearls" (Proverbs 3:15). Prophecy? "The word of the Lord was rare [yakar] in those days" (I Samuel 3:1). Understanding? "A man of understanding is noble of [yekar] spirit" (Proverbs 17:27). And so on, weaving a tapestry of verses to illustrate each point.
But "foolishness" being precious? That might raise an eyebrow. The verse cited is "A little foolishness outweighs [yakar] wisdom and honor" (Ecclesiastes 10:1). It’s a reminder that sometimes, a little bit of humility or even perceived foolishness can be more valuable than pride or intellectual prowess. It's about balance, perhaps, and understanding the limits of our own wisdom.
And then there's Israel itself. "Is Ephraim a precious [yakir] son to Me?" (Jeremiah 31:20). This isn't just about blind favoritism. The Midrash delves into why Israel is considered precious, using a striking analogy of the arduous path to Torah scholarship. Imagine a thousand students beginning their journey. Only a hundred become proficient in Bible, then ten in Mishna, and finally, just one emerges as a true Talmud scholar, capable of issuing halakhic rulings. That one in a thousand is what makes Israel precious – the potential for profound spiritual understanding and leadership, a potential that, according to the Midrash in Kohelet Rabba (8:28), allows them to issue halakhic rulings.
The Midrash then offers an alternative interpretation, suggesting that just as one in a thousand individuals becomes an outstanding scholar, so too is Israel unique as a whole.
It continues with a series of comparisons: Abraham versus Sarah, Amram versus Yokheved, Moses versus the women of the wilderness. In each case, the male figure is initially presented as embodying a higher level of righteousness. However, Rabbi Yehuda HaNasi offers a powerful counterpoint, praising the women of the wilderness for their immediate acceptance of the laws of forbidden relations and nidda (menstrual impurity). Their piety and self-restraint, he suggests, were exemplary. This demonstrates a crucial element of Midrashic interpretation: multiple viewpoints coexisting, challenging us to consider different perspectives.
Finally, the text circles back to the idea of Israel's preciousness in the eyes of God, relating a discussion between Rabbi Abba bar Kahana and Rabbi Yitzḥak. Rabbi Abba argues that God values Israel so highly that He would have paid any price for their freedom from Egypt. Rabbi Yitzḥak counters that God did pay a price, inflicting plagues upon the Egyptians. As the Etz Yosef commentary explains, God typically prefers to work within the laws of nature, but for the sake of redeeming Israel, He performed miracles. This willingness to disrupt the natural order underscores the immense value God places on His people.
So, what does it all mean? This passage from Vayikra Rabbah invites us to reflect on what we truly value. It's not just about material possessions or worldly achievements, but about cultivating wisdom, understanding, kindness, and a deep connection to something greater than ourselves. It’s about striving to be that "one in a thousand," not in a boastful way, but with humility and a commitment to living a life of meaning. And perhaps, just perhaps, that's what makes us truly precious in the eyes of the Divine.