Shemini and Parah

Hello,

This week we read the regular portion of Shemini and an additional portion called Parah.

Sh'mini
This portion begins with the 8th day of the 8-day dedication of the Mishkan, the Jews’ Tabernacle with which they travelled through the desert. They brought special offerings for this day.

Aharon was the Kohen Gadol (Head Kohen), and he led the service in the Mishkan, for the first time.

Two of his sons, Nadav and Avihu, attempted to bring an unscheduled offering of incense on their first day on the job, while they were somewhat intoxicated from the celebrations of the Mishkan. A fire emerged from inside the Temple and consumed them.

Aharon was instructed to complete the service regardless of the death of his sons. He and Moshe disagreed about proper disposal of offerings in Aharon’s state of mourning; Aharon proved to be correct.

Moshe and Aharon were then given a joint instruction to convey to the nation – they were taught the laws of keeping Kosher:
1. Animals must have split hooves and must chew their cuds.
2. Fish must have fins and scales.
3. Almost all flying, swimming and crawling bugs are prohibited. Some grasshoppers are permitted, though.
4. Only certain birds are Kosher.
The Jews were taught these laws of keeping Kosher as part of using their animal aspects (eating) to attain holiness.
They were also taught about Tumah, a form of ritual impurity which could be communicated by various creatures.

Parah
Parah is the opening part of the portion of Chukat, found in the book of Bamidbar (Numbers).

In preparation for Passover, the Jews of Temple times were instructed to make themselves Tahor (ritually prepared) in order to be able to bring the Passover Offering. The rite of purification centered on the ashes of a slaughtered Parah Adumah (Red Heifer).

In order to remind people to begin this process before Passover, we read about the Red Heifer on the Shabbat preceding the Shabbat preceding the month of Nisan. Some consider this a biblical obligation, as part of preparing for Passover.

Have a great day,
Mordechai