Now that the Mishkan has been built and completed (we read about this last week), the Parshah begins with G‑d speaking to Moses in the Mishkan. G‑d tells him of the korbonat--the sacrifices that were an important part of the service in the Mishkan. We learn about various types of korbanot:

  • the olah, also known as the burnt offering, which is burnt entirely on the altar
  • five types of mincha offerings, which are sacrifices made from flour and olive oil
  • the shelamim, the "peace offering," part of which was burnt on the altar, and part of which was eaten by the person who brought the sacrifice, as well as parts given by the owner to the Kohen.
  • the chatat,various sacrifices brought as an atonement for someone who sinned

  • the asham, a sacrifice brought for certain sins. These are: a) if somebody accidentally uses something that's supposed to be for the Mishkan b) if someone thinks he may have sinned, but he is not sure c) if somebody swears falsely while trying to cheat somebody

There are many laws and intricate rules regarding the korbanot, but one rule applied to all: Every sacrifice was brought with salt.