This week's 10-Minute Torah (15 April 2023): Parashat Shmini 5783

Parashat Shmini 5783 / פָּרָשַׁת שְּׁמִינִי

15 April 2023 / 24 Nisan 5783

https://youtu.be/CxVjp8fa3ug

Parashat Shmini is the 26th weekly Torah portion in the annual Jewish cycle of Torah reading.

Torah Portion: Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Shemini (“Eighth”) opens with the consecration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Two of Aaron’s sons are consumed by a fire sent from God when they attempt to offer a “strange fire.” God describes the animals, birds, and fish that are permissible and prohibited for consumption, as well as some laws of ritual purity. [1]

Triennial year 1

1. 1: 9:1-6 · 6 p’sukim ·

2. 2: 9:7-10 · 4 p’sukim ·

3. 3: 9:11-16 · 6 p’sukim ·

4. 4: 9:17-23 · 7 p’sukim ·

5. 5: 9:24-10:3 · 4 p’sukim ·

6. 6: 10:4-7 · 4 p’sukim ·

7. 7: 10:8-11 · 4 p’sukim ·

8. maf: 10:8-11 · 4 p’sukim ·

Haftarah for Ashkenazim: II Samuel 6:1-7:17 · 40 p’sukim

Commentary and Divrei Torah

Sefaria OU Torah Jewish Theological Seminary American Jewish University

Soncino Chumash: pp. 443 – 447 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 443 – 454)

Artscroll Chumash: pp. 588 - 595 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 588 – 607)

Etz Chaim Chumash: pp. 630 - 635 Triennial Year 1 (Full Kriyah pp. 630 - 642)

This is a parashat that has been debated by the Rabbis. Why did Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s oldest sons and in line for the High Priest, enter the Holy of Holies at not the appropriate time with an incense mixture that was “alien”? And why were they immediately punished by forfeiting their lives?

Some sages contend that these two were very righteous and felt motivated to express their love for Hashem right away, rather than waiting for the right time. Others feel that these two were celebrating with alcohol and thus had bad judgement. This latter view is verified by the commandment to priests not to drink alcohol prior to officiating in the Tabernacle. Others feel that they were expressing an arrogance about replacing Moses and Aaron as the leaders of Israel.

Perhaps we can understand this by examining the subsequent verse in the Torah. Hashem declared that they did not sanctify Him. So Hashem was clear about the procedures for officiating in the Holy of Holies. Nadav and Abihu tock it upon themselves to decide when and what and therefore went against G-d’s commandments. Not only did they show disrespect for Hashem and His commandments, but perhaps they weren’t doing proper rituals but something else that would have elevated themselves! For this, perhaps, is why they were punished.

Shabbat Mevarchim Chodesh Iyyar

Saturday, April 15

Molad Iyyar: Thu, 8 minutes and 13 chalakim after 14:00

When blessing the new month in the synagogue on the Shabbat before Rosh Chodesh, it is customary to announce the time that the molad (birth of the new moon) occurs in Jerusalem, so that it can be kept in mind while saying the blessing.

Traditionally, the time is announced in hours, minutes and chalakim — e.g., "The molad will occur Sunday evening, eight minutes and seven chalakim after seven o'clock." A chelek is one 1080th part of an hour, or 3.33 seconds.