Parashat Achrei Mot-Kedoshim 5786

by Rabbi Margie Cella

We have another double parashah this week. The first is named Achrei Mot, meaning “after [the] death.” It refers to the death of Aaron’s sons, Nadav and Avihu, who were consumed by a fire from God after they brought “strange fire” as an offering to God. Because of the gravity of the event taking place, Aaron was not able to grieve his sons; instead, he remained silent. We can only imagine the inner turmoil he must have felt. One’s life is never the same after experiencing the death of a loved one.

In the second parashah, Kedoshim (holy), God says that we shall be holy because God is holy. A total of 51 mitzvot—13 positive and 38 negative—outline for us the do’s and don’ts of being holy. One of the negative commandments forbids us to conjure up ghosts or spirits to ascertain the future. Immediately following this is the positive commandment to show respect for the elderly. Many people tend to overlook the older people in their lives or fail to give them much credit. Yet, with their years of accumulated life experience, these are the very people whom we should consult for advice.

I have thought a lot about these ideas this week as I marked the second yahrzeit of my sister, Barbara. My life has changed so much after losing her. We spent more time together in the last five years of her life than at any time prior to that. She suffered from a chronic, debilitating lung condition. We knew that she was dying. She was able to share much with me toward the end of her life; that was truly a blessing.

Oseh Shalom, Maker of Peace, may You bring comfort to all those who are dealing with the loss of a loved one.