Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Shemini/0/en
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Shabbat Table Topics – Parashat Shemini
The Deaths of Nadav and Avihu
After describing the eighth day of the consecration of the Mishkan, Parahat Shemini records the tragic deaths of Nadav and Avihu, who were consumed by heavenly fire while offering incense. Commentators struggle to understand what was so terrible about their deed that it warranted such a severe punishment. See Why Were Nadav and Avihu Killed.
- Many suggest that even if the brothers had positive intentions, they were punished for violating proper protocol. R. S"R Hirsch, thus, writes that though Nadav and Avihu desired to get close to Hashem, "in the sacrificial service there is no room for subjectivity... [closeness] will not be achieved except via listening to God". What are the dangers of subjective worship? Why might R. Hirsch, specifically, have been concerned about this?
- According to Rashbam's reading of the story,1 it is possible that the deaths should were not a punishment, but rather a "work accident". According to this, Nadav and Avihu were in the wrong place at the wrong time and suffered the natural consequences. Are there "chance accidents", or must everything that occurs in the world be directly attributed to God and viewed in terms of reward and punishment?
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For more, see: Parashat Shemini Topics.
