The Eighth

THE BIG IDEA

For those that wonder why life seems harder for jews than for other peoples of the world - this week’s Torah energy offers some clues. 

To live with the Source Energy of the Universe in your midst is a fiery business - literally. During the official inauguration of the tent of divine presence (the Mishkan), only three out of the initial five candidates for direct divine service made it past the 8th day alive. 

On the final day of the inauguration, Aaron, and the entire nation watched a holy fire claim two of his four sons at the exact altar he would be worshiping for the rest of his life. And whether you believe his sons, Nadav and Avihu, were overly zealous or drunkenly careless in their desire to serve the divine -  their lack of patience and inability to await precise instruction from Moses got them killed.  For those chosen for direct service - there is no room for error. 

It doesn’t feel accidental that we are asked to consider the existential mystery of divine fire on the same week as Holocaust Remembrance Day. A day that awakens the intergenerational pain and trauma carried by a nation that continues to be burdened by violent terrorist enemies and antisemites.

This week - let’s all do our best to learn from the example set by the first high priest, Aaron who, following the deaths of his sons, held silent, continued to follow his brother Moses’ instruction, and even had the ability to push back when the instruction went too far.

It’s one thing to be saved from slavery by the creator of the universe. It’s another to have a manifestation of the Creator of the Universe in your midst - in this, let Aaron’s legacy be our teaching and our guide.