Covenant and Conversation Family Edition, Shmini, In a Nutshell
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IN A NUTSHELL Parashat Shemini is the last chapter of the long section that we began in the twenty-fifth chapter of Shemot. We started with the command to build the Mishkan (the portable Temple) and in Shemini, the building and preparations are all finished. It is finally time to start using the Mishkan. Special priestly celebrations took place to mark the services beginning.
But the happy moment soon turned to sadness. Tragically, two of Aharon’s sons brought a “strange fire” as a sacrifice to God, and as punishment, both sons died.
Next, the parasha defines some more laws for the kohanim (priests), such as not serving in the Sanctuary while drunk, and when and where the kohanim can eat the sacrifices. Lastly, the parasha describes the dietary laws (kashrut), specifically mentioning which animals, fish, and birds we can eat.
QUESTION TO PONDER
Why do you think Aharon’s sons Nadav and Avihu were punished for bringing a “strange fire”?