The inauguration of the Tabernacle occurred on the first day of the month of Nissan. Aharon, the High Priest, and his sons, were commanded to bring sacrifices, after which G-d’s presence would be revealed to the people.
The sacrifices were brought and a fire descended from above and consumed the sacrifices on the alter. This was a sign that the people had been forgiven for the sin of the golden calf, and they rejoiced.
Unfortunately, the joy did not last long. Aharon’s two oldest sons, Nadav and Avihu, brought their own pans of fire and incense to the altar, without being commanded to do so. A fire suddenly descended from Heaven and struck Nadav and Avihu dead. Aharon accepted the tragedy in silence and did not complain about G-d’s harsh decree.
The Torah doesn’t really explain why the sin was considered a capital offense. Some commentaries explain that they did not confer first with Moshe before bringing their own fire. Although they may have had valid reasons for bringing it, since it was without instruction, it was considered a “strange fire.” This was especially true considering that the inauguration was supposed to complete the atonement for the golden calf, which had also been made without prior permission.
Immediately following Aharon’s tragedy G-d instructed Aharon that the kohanim, or priests, were not allowed to do their service while under the influence of any intoxicating beverage. The Torah considers this to be a profanity of that which is holy. This is the only instance we find G-d speaking to Aharon alone. The Rabbis understand this as a reward for not complaining about his sons’ death.
Many of the laws of kashrus, the dietary laws, are also discussed. Only land animals that chew their cud and have split hooves may be eaten. Marine animals must have both fins and scales. The Torah lists certain birds that may not be eaten. Although the Torah does not specify any physical characteristics, birds of prey are all prohibited. No reptiles or creeping animals may be eaten, except for certain types of grasshoppers.
The Torah does not really offer a reason for the dietary laws. Two points, however, are made: 1) that a Jew must sanctify his physical being by practicing discipline over what he eats; and 2) non-kosher species contaminate the Jewish soul and clog his “spiritual arteries”, and thus must be avoided by Jews.
"…speak to the Children of Israel and say, ‘These are the animals that you may eat…’ " ( Lev. 11:2)
As head of the London Beis Din, Rav Yechezkel Abramsky implemented quite strict practices for the kosher butchers to follow. A butcher once complained in court that the Rav’s regulations interfered with the community’s democratic rights to practice as they wish. When Rav Abramsky was questioned about this he replied, “The very purpose of democracy is to allow for truth to prevail without fear of repression. When a consumer wants kosher food, he must be assured that the food meets the highest standards of kosher. To prevent the rabbi from guaranteeing that these standards be met is not only a violation of truth, it also undermines the very goals of democracy.”
The judge was impressed with the Rav’s answer and dismissed the case.
Did You Know...
Shalosh Seudos, the third Shabbos meal, may not be eaten before a half hour after noon. Preferably it should be eaten after praying Mincha. When Pesach falls on Saturday night this presents a dilemma, since neither matza nor chametz may be eaten in the afternoon before Pesach. Many authorities also prohibit eating egg matza after the fifth hour Erev Pesach, and some even prohibit products baked from matza meal.
The authorities recommend eating fruit, vegetables, meat, or fish for Shalosh Seudos. Some authorities permit studying Torah instead of eating the third meal.
