Parashat Vayikra

God calls to Moses from the Tent of Meeting and explains the offerings. The olah, a burnt offering entirely consumed on the altar, may be cattle, sheep, goats or, for the poor, birds. The minchah is a grain offering of fine flour and oil, never with leaven or honey, always with salt. The shelamim, a peace offering, is shared between the altar, the priests and the family who brings it. The chatat atones for unintentional sin, with different animals for the high priest, the community, a leader and an ordinary person. The asham, a guilt offering, covers misuse of sacred property, doubtful cases and false oaths about money.