Parashat Shmini 5784

by Rabbi Margie Cella

This week’s parashah describes the events of the eighth day (Shmini means “eighth”) of the consecration ceremony for the priests. Moses told Aaron and his sons to bring two offerings for themselves. The people were to bring three offerings. The priests were to offer their own sacrifices first, then the people’s sacrifices. Aaron blessed the people, who had all gathered at the entrance of the tent to witness the proceedings. Suddenly a fire came forth from God and consumed the sacrifices on the altar. Aaron’s two oldest sons, Nadav and Avihu, inspired by this, then offered “strange fire” in their firepans before God; we don’t know exactly what this was, but apparently God was displeased. A fire came forth from God, consuming them just as it had the sacrifices on the altar. Moses told Aaron and his two remaining sons Eleazar and Ithamar not to display any signs of mourning. He also instructed them that henceforth they were not to drink wine or string drink when entering the tabernacle to offer sacrifices.

Many people are troubled by the story of the death of Aaron’s sons. What could they have done to warrant such a terrible death? Several theories have been offered by our sages. One is a midrash that tells how they would walk behind Moses and Aaron asking each other, “When will these two old men die so that we can take over the leadership of the nation?” It was this arrogance and disrespect that displeased God. We can all learn from their mistake. We must uphold and support our religious leaders, giving them the proper kavod (respect) that is their due. Kol Yisrael Arevim Zeh Ba’Zeh – All the people of Israel are responsible for one another.