Parshas Sh'mini 5766

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

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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 from atop the Altar. This was a sign that G-d had forgiven the sin of the Golden Calf. The people rejoiced that all their efforts had been rewarded.

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 so severe that it was deserving of a death penalty. It merely mentions that they had brought a strange fire before G-d. Some commentaries explain that the sin was that they did not confer with Moshe first, before they brought 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. The Golden Calf had also been made without prior instruction, and for that reason too, Nadav and Avihu’s sin was considered to be so severe.

Others explain that Nadav and Avihu had drunk wine before doing their service. The Torah considers this to be a profanity of that which is holy. Although wine plays an important part in Judaism, helping to create an atmosphere of joy on Shabbos and at life cycle events, it may not be drunk prior to performing the Temple service, as it clouds man’s clarity of mind.

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. Only certain birds may be eaten too. The Torah does not specify any physical characteristic for fowl, but birds of prey are all prohibited. No reptiles or creeping animals may be eaten, except for certain types of grasshoppers.

Although the Torah does not specify any reason for the dietary laws, it does instruct the Jew to sanctify his physical being, that he must not follow his instincts to eat whatever he desires. The non-kosher species contaminate the Jewish soul and clog his “spiritual arteries”, and must therefore be avoided by Jews.

“ …A fire came forth from before G-d and consumed them (the two sons of Aharon)…and Aharon was silent” (Lev. 10:2-3)

A student in the Chofetz Chaim’s yeshiva had been away from his family for a couple of years. Finally he had an opportunity to return home for a visit. Although he would miss his teachers and friends from the yeshiva, the joy of seeing his parents again was apparent to all.

The Chofetz Chaim remarked that this should be the sentiment of any believing person before he passes on from this world. Of course it may be difficult to part from one’s family and friends, but the realization of being reunited with one’s Father in Heaven should bring great joy.

Did You Know...

The period between Pesach and Shavuot is called the Omer. The Omer was an offering brought on the second day of Pesach. The Torah instructs us to count the seven week, or forty-nine day period, in preparation and anticipation for the receiving of the Torah.

The Omer is counted each evening. A blessing is recited before counting. If, however, a person forgets to count one day, he should continue counting, but the blessing may no longer be recited. If a person remembered during the day that he had not yet counted, he may count during the day without a blessing, and continue counting each evening with a blessing. If a person is uncertain if he counted or not, he may continue counting with a blessing.