Vayikra: The Cloud and the Calling: Transitions Between Darkness and Light
As we begin the third book of the Torah, Vayikra, we find an interesting connection to the end of Sefer Shemos. At the conclusion of Shemos, the text describes the Ananei HaKavod that would rest on the Mishkan. When the cloud would rest, the Bnei Yisrael would remain in place, and when it would rise, it was time for them to travel. As the last passuk states, "The cloud was on the Mishkan throughout the day, and fire was there at night in front of the eyes of all the Jews during all of their travels."
Sefer Shemos ends with this image of the cloud covering and filling the space of the Mishkan. Then comes Sefer Vayikra, which begins with "Vayikra el Moshe" — "And God called to Moshe."
There is a fascinating connection between these two ideas. They appear to be opposites: Ananei HaKavod represents cloudiness, lack of clarity, and darkness, while "Vayikra el Moshe" — God calling to Moses — represents clarity, revelation, and direct communication from God. If an Anan represents darkness, then "Vayikra" represents revelation, God revealing Himself and calling out.
What is the connection between these seemingly contradictory ideas?
King Shlomo teaches us a fundamental concept: the true radiance and strength of light is born specifically out of darkness. In life, we often find that one chapter seems to be ending on a dark note, or we find ourselves in a negative situation. But frequently, that darkness is just the beginning of a new chapter of revelation. It is often in our darkest times that we experience the most profound revelations and hear God's calling most clearly.
This is the connection between these two ideas: Sefer Shemot ends by telling us that there's a cloud on top of the Mishkan, and then following that cloud comes "Vayikra" — God's calling. This is a common pattern in life: When things seem cloudy and dark, that is usually just the prelude to finding your calling, discovering your soul, and encountering God in the cracks and dark spaces.
Consider how muscle growth works during exercise. When someone works out, they actually tear micro-tissue in their muscles. The muscles break down, but specifically, because they break, the muscle rebuilds itself stronger than before. Similarly, when someone finds themselves in a situation where they don't see godliness and lack clarity about their direction, that's often when true, authentic soul-searching occurs. Noticing God's hand in reality and hearing God's calling in our lives often happens precisely when our egos and expectations of what we want our lives to look like fall away. It's when we are humbled that we become capable of hearing the "Vayikra."
Adapted from “Life Talks on the Parsha”