Parashat Shemini 5785

by Rabbi Margie Cella

The strange and tragic events of this week’s parashah take place on the eighth (shemini) day of the ceremony consecrating Aaron and his four sons to serve in the priesthood. In the presence of the entire nation, who had gathered to witness the culmination of the process, the new priests brought the required sacrifices, first for themselves, then for the people.

As soon as Aaron finished blessing the assembly, a fire came forth from God and consumed the sacrifices on the altar. Nadav and Aviihu, Aaron’s two oldest sons, then offered “strange fire” in their firepans; once again fire came forth from God, consuming them just as it had the sacrifices on the altar. Though many theories have been offered for what they might have done to warrant such a sudden, violent death, the Torah does not give us an explanation.

The final chapter of the parashah is a lengthy delineation of which animals we are permitted to eat, and which are forbidden to us. This, too, is given to us without a rationale. Twice at the very end, however, we are instructed by God, “you shall be holy, for I am holy.” God expects and demands distinctive behaviors and observances from us. The laws of kashrut, that dictate our diets, keep us always focused on our relationship with God. They are also one of the things that unite us as Jews and set us apart as holy to God.

Am Yisrael Chai! All people of Israel Live!