Parsha #26 Sh’mini (Eighth) Vayikra (Leviticus) 9: 1-11:47
Haftarah: Sh’mu’el Bet (2 Samuel) 6:1-7:17
B’rit Hadashah: Mark 7:1-23; Acts 5:1-11; 10-35; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:1; Galatians 2:11-16; 1 Kefer (1 Peter) 1:14-16
Parasha:
In this week’s Parsha we see the inauguration of the Kohanim (Priests). When the Shechinah, YHVH’s Presence, descended from heaven in the form of fire that consumed the sacrifices upon the altar, B’nai Yisrael witnessed firsthand the forgiveness of the sin of the Golden Calf.
We also read about the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s sons, who brought alien fire to the altar. This to me means that YHVH Elohim has set the pattern wherein we may be reconciled to Him and wherein we may continue in fellowship with Him and if we deviate from YHVH’s pattern we risk eternal death and separation from Him.
Some of the Sages addressing this event have supposed this scenario and it has its applications to worshippers today. Nadav and Avihu thought that it wasn’t just enough to sit back and watch YHVH’s presence descend. In their desire to become closer to YHVH they rushed into the Holy of Holies to please and greet the Almighty. But by doing this they ignored one of YHVH primary laws. No man can see YHVH and live.
People very often “lead with their emotions,” letting their feelings get the best of them. The story of Nadav and Avihu helps us to understand that we must accept the Torah, with all its laws and commandments not only on an emotional plane, but on a practical and logical level as well.
I think we see in this event that we must be sure to obey YHVH’s Torah if we are to be acceptable to Him. The Torah tells us what is best for us. It tells us how to conduct our lives. It is not devoid of emotion, but it asks us to control our emotions and do the commandments with al our hearts and with all of our minds.
Halftarah Connection: (Yirmeyahu 7:21-8:3; 9 22, 23)
This Parsha deals with the eighth day of the consecration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Now, B’nai has at least a temporary sanctuary in which B’nai Yisrael may communicate with YHVH Elohim.
In our Halftarah, King David returns the Ark to its rightful resting-place in Jerusalem. This deed inaugurated the beginning of the Temple period.
Think About it:
1. Aaron does not say a word after his sons are consumed by fire. Why do you think Aaron says nothing?
2. Why is there so much emphasis on the pig as the epitome of unpermitted food? Why is the pig any worse that the camel or rabbit?
3. After YHVH lists the unpermitted foods (animals), He says we shouldn’t make ourselves impure, because He is the God who took us out of Egypt. What is the connection between the two?
Wisdom of the Sages:
“Sacrifice your offering…and atone for yourself and the nation” (9:7)
The Iban Ezra explains that first Aaron had to atone for himself and only then could he atone for others. One must be free from sin if he wishes to act on behalf of others. This alludes to the messianic Scriptures where in Matthew 7:5 Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye. It also is a type of the Messiah Yahshua our Cohen Gadol (high Priest) who stands perfect and sinless before YHVH and is fit to intercede for us.
“Moshe heard and approved.” (10:20)
Generally it was Moshe who spoke and Aaron was the one who listened. Now the roles are reversed: Aaron spoke and Moshe listened. The Sages tell us Moshe approved of the role reversal. He enjoyed listening to his brother. We learn form this that listening to others is just as good as talking, and for some even better than doing the talking.
Gematria:
Yayin…altaysht, “don’t drink any wine.” (10:9)
The Kohanim are warned against drinking wine before serving YHVH. The Hebrew word for “wine,” yayin has the numeric value of 70. One of the dangers of wine is that when you overly consume it, it loosens the tongue, and secrets begin to pour out. The Hebrew word for “secret” is sod, which also has the numeric value of 70.
Shalom and Brachas,
Rabbi Davis