From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, April 25, 26, 2025/27, 28, Nisan 5785 (Omer 12,13)
The Torah portion begins with Moses instructing Aaron and his sons Nadav and Avihu concerning offerings for atonement of sins. Nadav and Avihu bring unauthorized fire offerings of their own, and G-d punishes them with death. G-d tells Moses and Aaron which foods are permitted and forbidden to be eaten.
Some Judaic concepts and values are the attainment of holiness, and the laws of Kashrut/keeping kosher. While (Leviticus 11:44) explains the purposes of keeping kosher and eating correctly as rules of conduct for the priests and the Jewish people, it is G-d that says, “Sanctify yourselves, and be holy”. Judaism has dietary laws to make Jewish people focus their dedication to G-d as a priestly and holy people. Learning the laws that regulate what a Jew may or may not eat is a means of preserving our Jewish identity and our Jewish loyalty to G-d.
The death of Aaron’s two sons Nadav and Abihu has a myriad of complex events.
Firstly, it was the day Aaron became the High Priest, which was an honor bestowed to him by his younger brother, Moses. His sons also became priests. Yet a short time later, Aaron’s happiest moment becomes one of profound sorrow. Keep in mind all the priestly instructions were known to Aaron, Nadav and Abihu.
Next one wondered if the two sons were drunk by celebrating and they did not know what they were doing. Drinking was prohibited before performing their duties and entering the Holy of Holies. What was the meaning of the “strange fire” that they brought? It was a fire that was not consecrated first!
My thoughts are that they did not consult with Moses or Aaron as to what they were going to do. This was a deliberate disregard of and insult toward their elders. There is a commentary by Rashi (scholar of the Torah commentaries) that the sons asked themselves, “When will these old men die? How long must we wait to lead the congregation?” Rashi continues with “It was an impious ambition that led them to commit the unhallowed deed which called down terrible retribution upon them.” (Leviticus 10:1-5).
Many times throughout history leaders, kings, and other officials are killed by their kin, military leaders, and others that believe they can rule better. In the Egyptian dynasties, Roman Empire, other empires that were overthrown and no longer exist. The Jewish people were tribal during the Patriarchs and Matriarchs early eras. Then the Jewish people wanted to be like the other people and wanted a king. The Jewish people had kings, rulers, Judea and Samaria, and the split into two kingdoms, and the history of our people being conquered for two millennia without a homeland until May 5, 1948 with The State of Israel. The Jewish people now have elections and a president and a prime minister as government leadership.
Am Ysrael Chai! Long Live Israel!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
