March 05, 2010
Ki Tissa Ex. 30-11-34:35
Dear Friends:
Imagine the scene. Two brothers show great zeal for a worthy cause, the worship of God, of all things. In their excitement to do something right and good, they don’t follow all of the rules exactly. They cut some corners in some ways, and maybe get a little too creative in others. Their efforts result in the untimely deaths of both. Their father grieves silently. Their uncle tries to comfort his brother with platitudes. Other family members are told to keep the public signs of their mourning under control. Some suggest there was alcohol involved in the deed of the dead brothers. That’s all the media needs to get hold of to sensationalize the entire story.
While our annual cycle of Torah readings has us nearing the end of Sh’mot (Exodus), our veteran Torah Study group that meets on Shabbat morning is studying Va-yikra (Leviticus). The story I just summarized is the story of Nadav and Avihu, in Leviticus, chapter 10. The whole story plays out in just a few verses in the Tanach, and in over 2000 years of commentary. It’s an ancient story that could, sadly, be the story of anyone of us. In this case, the uncle offering platitudes is none other than Moses, trying to console his brother Aaron. As visible leaders of the people, they have been taught that there is a limit to their public displays of grieving. Think Jackie Kennedy trying to hold her emotions together when the whole country is watching in November of 1963.
This story gives us multiple layers of questions to ask, and answers to explore. Here are just a few things that came up last Shabbat morning:
What did Nadav and Avihu do that was so wrong?
Are we permitted to be creative in our worship?
Would God really take the lives of these two for what appears to be the minor infraction of not performing the rituals exactly the way they
were instructed?
Why do we need to jump to the conclusion that there was alcohol involved?
How do we grieve for those who were the shining stars of their generation?
What words of consolation can we offer at times like this?
Can we imagine a parent being silent when faced with the death of a child?
“Turn it, and turn it, because everything is in it.” Rabbi Ben Bag-Bag said that, and it is recorded for us in Pirkei Avot. Of course the notion of Nadav and Avihu being killed while offering sacrifices is an alien idea to us. Once we get past that, though, we have to recognize this story as an eternal truth, as our story, as reflecting our fears, doubts, and realities. This is the gift of Torah.
So come study with us. We have two groups that meet at 9:00 on Saturday mornings, one group taking a slower approach seeking every bit of wisdom, and a second group keeping up with the weekly Torah portions. Most mornings, we have a short service following. We are generally done at 10:30. Dress is casual. Coffee and refreshments are provided.
And join us at other times too. Israeli dancing following a 6:00 service tonight, Miller Music Festival on March 13, Scholar in Residence from March 19-21.
Shabbat Shalom u’m’vorach. Have a Shabbat of peace and of blessing.
Sincerely,
Jack P. Paskoff,
Rabbi