Home

To complete Membership Form through Google, please click the link below:

MEMBERSHIP GOOGLE FORM

Dear Mogen David Family,

In Parashat Shemini we read of the tragic and sudden deaths of two of Aharon HaKohen's sons, Nadav and Avihu. Their punishment for bringing an "Esh Zara," a foreign fire for the Korban was Divinely ordained and administered by Hakadosh Baruch Hu, and therefore we cannot question whether Nadav and Avihu were deserving of the death penalty, but we can question and speculate as to the cause [or causes] for their punishment.

On this second question there is much debate amongst the commentaries, with a wide range of ideas. Perhaps they were intoxicated with alcohol, which the Parasha subsequently tells us is chayav mitta; maybe, as the Midrash suggests, they violated the principle known as Moreh Halacha Lifnei Rabbo-- deciding a law in front of their Rebbe, Moshe, and acting on that decision; or possibly offering a Korban 'in which they weren't commanded' as part of their Avodah in the Mishkan was severe enough, particularly regarding the inauguration of the Mishkan, to carry the death sentence.

We can suggest a common denominator between these three different answers is that each infraction, on its own, doesn't seem too reprehensible. But placed within the context of Avodat HaKodesh, Nadav and Avihu's mistake in judgement magnifies and amplifies. Every seemingly minor action of the Kohanim who perform the Avodah in the Beit HaMikdash has major affect and consequence. The greater the action, the greater the kavana required.

We too, as the new Am Kadosh off the heels of Geulat Yetziat MItzrayim, must realize that every action [and reaction] we take has major consequences for good in Olam Hazeh, and in the Olamot L'Ma'alah.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Yehuda Moses Rav HaKehillah/Senior Rabbi