Parshas Sh'mini 5767

Commentary by Rabbi Ephraim Nisenbaum

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The inauguration of the Tabernacle occurred on the first day of the month of Nisan. 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 Heaven and consumed the sacrifices from atop the alter. This signified that the people had been forgiven for the sin of the golden calf and it was cause for great celebration.

Unfortunately, though, 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 serious an offense as to be deserving of death. Some commentaries explain that they did not first confer 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 an affront to Moshe’s authority. 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 (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 see 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.

Though no reason is offered for the laws of kosher, the Torah explains that a Jew must sanctify his physical being. The non-kosher species of animals somehow contaminate the Jewish soul and clog his “spiritual arteries,” and thus must be avoided by Jews.

...do not defile yourselves through them (non-kosher foods), for you will become contaminated with them… (Lev. 11:43)

A secular Jew attended a seminar, and was convinced of G-d’s existence and the Torah’s authority. Yet he felt that he was too entrenched in his ways to make changes. He told the rabbi he would be willing to accept one mitzvah completely upon himself.

The rabbi was at a loss how to advise him. Should he encourage Shabbos observance, since it is a cornerstone of faith? Torah study, which is equivalent to all the mitzvos? He asked Rav Elazar Schach how he should advise the man.

Rav Schach immediately said he should accept the dietary laws. Although keeping kosher may not be the most important mitzvah, non-kosher food contaminates one’s soul making it difficult to connect with G-d. Rav Schach felt that keeping kosher would allow the person to make further changes later.

Did You Know...

The Talmud says that it is unhealthy to eat meat or fowl together with fish. It is permissible, however, to cook fish in a meat pot, even if it had just been used for meat, and vice versa.

One may eat meat and fish at the same meal, but it is customary to eat and drink something, besides water, between them, to wash out one’s mouth from the other type of food. Some people have the custom to wash their finger tips between eating meat and fish.

Some authorities also prohibit eating milk together with fish, although this is not the generally accepted custom.