ויקרא |Vayikra

Anne-Françoise Ben-Or, Belgium/Israel

When I read parashat Vayikra, I took particular note of the moment that the High Priest places his hands on the sacrificial animal: “You [the priest] shall lay a hand upon the head of your offering…” (Leviticus 3:2). It is a brief moment, one layered in meaning —full of thought, compassion, and awareness. I am continually drawn to this intimate moment when support, acceptance, and forgiveness are all present. The topic of animal sacrifice is a question of great magnitude for me, one that remains open and unanswered. Why are sacrifices necessary? What end does sacrifice serve?

Professional Background  Anne-Françoise Ben-Or was born and raised in Belgium. She studied painting and sculpture at the Jerusalem Studio School under the guidance of Israel Hershberg. Ben-Or’s work has been exhibited in both solo and group shows including the National Portrait Gallery, London, the Rothschild Fine Art Gallery, Tel Aviv, and the Jerusalem Artists’ House.  She resides with her family in Nataf, Israel.