Humility

To receive the Divine teachings, Moses had to achieve the quality of utter humility

In Jewish tradition, humility was always considered one of the most exalted virtues.

In the titular opening word of the third book of the Torah - Vayikra (Leviticus), the Aleph is small. What is the signifigance of this small Aleph?

"Hey, Danny, check out my muscles! You think you're the strongest? Well, you sure are mistaken!" Danny howled with laughter. "Ben, give me a break… You don't know what muscles are!..."

The small Alef in the opening of this week’s Parsha teaches us about the special humility that Moses possessed. Interestingly there’s a big Alef in the opening verse of the book of Chronicles in the word Adam. What’s the message? True humility is not lyin...

Understanding the deeper meaning to the small Alef in the word Vayikra teaches to know your strengths, but remain humble. (Based on Likkutei Sichos vol. 17 Vayikra)

For the moment, my heart overflows with pride as I witness her burgeoning independence, her sense of self. I know that in a few months or years from now, these traits may not always seem so endearing, but for now, I kvell.

The name of this week's portion, Vayikra, means "G-d called out [to Moses]." The letter aleph at the end of the word vayikra is written in miniature size in the Torah. What does the small aleph teach us about how to be both great and humble?

Experience your largeness, but at the same time feel your smallness. Talents are gifts endowed to you by G‑d.

The chassidic masters explain that the more one is nullified before G‑d, the more humble one becomes in the face of G‑d’s infinite greatness . . .