Rabbi Avi Weiss, Hebrew Institute of Riverdale
Why were Nadav and Avihu, two of Aaron's
sons killed? The Torah states their death came when they brought
an eish zarah, a foreign fire into the Temple (Leviticus 10:1).
Some maintain the fire alludes to Aaron's sons having served in
the sanctuary while intoxicated, a prohibition set forth in the
sentences that follow their death. (Leviticus 10:9)
Others insist it relates to their being "hot" in
deciding halakhic matters themselves without consulting Moshe
(Moses). Note that the preceding sentences (Leviticus 9:23)
stress the leadership role of Moshe and Aaron.
I have always thought that when many answers are offered, it
indicates that none are convincing. Here too it can be suggested
that Nadav and Avihu did nothing that we as human beings can
understand to deserve death. Only God can comprehend the
unfathomable, we cannot.
This may explain why the Torah tells us at the beginning of this
week's portion, that the Lord spoke to Moshe immediately after
the death of Aaron's two sons. (Leviticus 16:1) The lesson:
despite the suffering of sufferings, the horror of an untimely
ghastly death, dialogue continues. God tells Moshe to speak to
Aaron and Aaron does God's will. In fact this may be the central
point of the Nadav Avihu story. Although not understanding why
his son died, Aaron and the priesthood continue on.
Not coincidentally, soon after the first sentence of our portion,
Aaron the high priest is commanded to select two identical goats
and by lots designate one as an offering to God and the other to
be pushed over the cliff for Azazel. (Leviticus 16:6-11)
Extraordinary--although absolutely the same these goats
experience different fates. This to teach Aaron and all of us
that
often life takes twists and turns that are inexplicable .
When confronted with such inexplicable suffering we ought all
remember the words delivered in a commencement address at Yeshiva
University by Esther Wachsman, mother of Nachshon (the young
Israeli soldier murdered by Arab terrorists). She said,
"When tragedy befalls us we should not ask why but what
shall we do now? It is our choice whether we trivialize our
tragedy by crying 'woe is me' or allow it to elevate us, giving
our lives new meaning and direction and bringing us closer to
God."
A lesson to think about on the eve of Yom Hashoah when the
ultimate of inexplicable strange fire consumed the Six Million.
In the end, like Nadav and Avihu, no one can explain why it
happened. But like Aaron and the priesthood, against all odds,
and at a great price, Am Yisrael continued on.
AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM RABBI AVI WEISS
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