Parshat Vayikra deals with the laws of sin offerings in order to receive atonement for various sins committed by the individual. Why should unintentional sins require atonement at all? What guilt is involved? The sinner did not mean to sin. Had the offender known the facts and the law at the time, he would not have done what he did. Why then does he have to undergo a process of atonement?

Through an exploration of the classical commentaries who attempt to answer this question, we can learn about taking responsibilities for our actions, whether intentional or not. 

 

This article is part of the Covenant & Conversation series.

Sin Offering