Shabbos Table

“Respect your elders,” was written on banners and nailed up on the walls through the schools I went to. And growing up in a Caribbean home, raised by parents of Indian descent, we learned early that their is a punishment given when we show a lack of respect. A punsihment for this crime can be anything from a good hard stare that makes you wonder what’s next, a slipper flying towards you, or a spank with a hair brush or anything handy.

In this Parsha, we see what is G-d’s idea of a good spanking when He is disrespected, and we are forced to questions G-D’s actions because as humans, we cannot comprehend how can a loving and forgiving G-d act so mercilessly.

The Parsha

Parsha Shimini recounts the eighth and final day of the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), where the sacrifices of Aaron and his children are finally accepted by G-d. After a seven-day feast, G-d commands them regarding which animals may be eaten and which may not.

Soon after, Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s two eldest sons, made an offering they were not suppose to and were killed instantly by divine fire. G-d then forbids Aaron and his remaining sons from mourning their death. A portion of the tithes are given to the Levites and Aaron and his family perform their roles as Kohanim (priests) in the Mishkan.

Why were Nadab and Abihu killed?

According to the Torah, Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s two eldest sons, were priests who made an offering of “strange fire” before G-d, which was not commanded by Him. This act was seen as disrespectful and irreverent, and as a result, fire came out from the presence of Hashem and consumed them, killing them instantly.
The incident is seen as a warning to the Israelites to approach and worship God with reverence and respect. Nadab and Abihu’s action was seen as a violation of the sacredness of the priesthood and the holy nature of the Tabernacle.

Key lesson:

One of the key messages we can take from Parsha Shimini is the importance of respecting and being mindful of tradition and authority.
Nadab and Abihu were killed because they offered an unauthorized sacrifice, which goes against the set of already established procedures that G-d himself had commanded. This shows that following traditions and expectations is not just important, but in some cases necessary, to maintain order and balance in our lives. We must also be respectful of those who are authorities or partners in our lives if we want to have healthy and beneficial relationships with them.

This parsha could also teach us to be humble and listen carefully, to avoid taking on too much too soon, as was the case with Nadab and Abihu, who may have been too eager in offering their own sacrifice. As we navigate our own lives, we can remember to stay grounded, respect those who we look to for guidance, and those we accept into our lives