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We are on a high coming off the holiday of Pesach and entering Sefiras Haomer, the count-up to Shavous and accepting the Torah. When a person is overly excited, they can possibly not be thinking like they regularly do and end up stepping over boundaries. At this exciting time, the Torah references a different high point, the final day of inaugurating the Mishkan. The Torah tells us something interesting that happened on that day, the death of the two sons of Aaron.
What did Nadav and Avihu do wrong? There are many explanations in the commentators but for simplicity’s sake, let’s discuss two: 1) they brought the incense offering which is only meant to be brought by the kohein gadol (in this instance, Aaron). 2) They drank too much wine and were intoxicated while doing the service in the Mishkan which is prohibited. What was wrong with these actions?
If we look back at Parshat Shmini, the source of this story, the Torah tells us via the language “…that they were not commanded.” It also references and calls it a “foreign fire”. Sometimes, in the height of excitement, we step over boundaries, and we do things which are not in line with what God commands us to do. This does NOT mean that we should never get excited! But it does mean that we always need to keep in our conscious a level of what God commanded us to do, even when we are excited and busy with other things. We also need to actually know the laws in order that we can make sure not to transgress.
One area where this is very relevant is Hilchot Shabbat. The Chofetz Chaim writes (introduction to Mishna Berura Volume 3) that if one does not familiarize themselves with these laws, they are almost definitely going to violate Shabbos. In about a month from now, many Jews across the world will embark on a journey learning about the laws of Shabbat with a program called Dirshu. It’s a great opportunity to start learning the laws!
Additionally, right here at CTA, Mrs. Rom and this year’s Junior High Dinim class will be completing the laws of the thirty-nine melachot! They even put out a brochure titled “How to cook on Shabbos” available at the front desk. Have a good Shabbos!!
Shabbat Shalom
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