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Parashat
Shemini
Leviticus
9:1-11:47
II Samuel
6:1-7:17
Acts
10:9-22,34,35
The Torah
portion begins with the statement, "On the eight day." This was after the
seven days needed for Aaron and his son's inauguration into the
priesthood.
However as we
read on in Leviticus chapter 10:1 we find that there is betrayal of G-d's
trust by Na'dab and Abi'hu, sons of Aaron. They were to be the successors
to their father when he was to pass on. Instead of following G-d's
commands, which they knew, they offered strange fire.
Ezekiel 44:23
tells us that the priests were supposed to be the teachers. They were to
teach G-d's people His will and His commandments.
In Leviticus
11 the focus of "clean" and "unclean" in areas of food, birth, disease,
and bodily functions is discussed. Besides what the readings tell us
about the laws of Kashrut and hygiene, I want to focus more on the
spiritual principle here. Proverbs 1:7 tells us that the fear of the Lord
is the beginning of wisdom; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Both Na'dab
and Abi'hu were to be advocates for the children of Israel through the
ceremonial laws with the sacrifices and the altar offerings. By these acts
of the priests, the Israelites were to be cleansed by blood and confession
and contrition of heart. For the sacrifices that G-d wants is a broken
spirit and a contrite heart, (Psalms 51:17).
We, as His
people, must be discerning and avoid what is unclean. 2 Corinthians 7:1
tells us to cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit,
perfecting holiness through the fear of G-d. Aaron's sons had lost their
fear of G-d and offered strange fire.
These days in
which we live present many temptations to lead many to lean on their own
understanding rather than on G-d. We are told that G-d has set us apart
through His grace and we are to be a set-apart Holy people. Just as Aaron
and his sons were set apart and were to be Holy, so we are to be a Holy
set-apart people.
Shavua Tov
Rabbi Z.
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