Vayikra: 3:1

-I have a surprise for you.

-No way.

-Way.

-A gift for me? No way!

-Way!

-The wrapping paper is exquisite.

-Thanks. I picked it out myself.

-Really?

-Actually, no. The store clerk picked it out. But I definitely approved of her choice.

-And the bow’s really nice, too.

-Thanks. I really did pick that out.

-I believe you. So why are you giving me a present?

-No special reason.

-My birthday isn’t for three more months.

-True.

-Oh no, it isn’t our anniversary. Is it?

-No. That’s eight months from now.

-Is it a national holiday?

-Not that I can recall.

-Arbor Day?

-What is Arbor Day?

-I think it’s a day to encourage tree planting.

-To the best of my knowledge, it’s not Arbor Day.

-So then why did you buy me a gift?

-I don’t know. I guess it’s because I love you. I saw this item in the store, and it made me think of you.

-Wow, that’s so nice. Thank you.

-Don’t mention it. It’s kind of like a Korban Shelamim.

-A what?

-A Korban Shelamim. I guess that would be translated as a peace offering, or a sacrifice of peace.

-Did we have a fight and I didn’t know it?

-No, of course not.

-Did you do something wrong? Is there something you need to tell me?

-No.

-Really?

-Really. Stop looking at me like that.

-It’s just that you just said you bought me a peace offering.

-I don’t think that the Korban Shelamim is given because you did something wrong. That would be a Korban Chatat, a sin offering.

-So then why would you give me a Korban Shelamim?

-You used to bring a Shelamim if you were happy with your life and wanted to express your love of God and your gratitude for His goodness. It was supposed to bring you closer to God.

-So then why is it called a shelamim, a peace offering?

-Good question. Rashi thinks that offering a sacrifice to express your love of God and your gratitude helps to bring peace to the world. The Ramban actually thinks that the term shelamim comes from the word shalem, meaning wholeness. The person bringing the offering does it out of a sense of wholeness and gratitude.

-Wow, you really know your stuff.

-Yes, I’m a korban maven.

-No kidding.

-But I just want you to know that I got you this present because everything is great, I’m happy with our life together, and I really appreciate you.

-That is so sweet. Thanks.

-No problem.

-So can I open it?

-Yes, some time today would be nice.

By Larry Stiefel