Parashat Shmini

Why Aaron was silent in the wake of his sons' death.

Incorporating environmental concerns into to the Jewish dietary laws.

It’s easy to view those who share a different perspective as an enemy. But Jewish tradition pushes us to see something else.

Recognizing our fallibility can lead us to compassion and empathy for our fellow humans, and bring us closer to God and others.

Jewish dietary practices allow us to welcome the sacred into our daily lives and into mundane acts.

What we can learn from Nadav and Avihu.

We do not have the right to drive fish to extinction.

This portion challenges us to express our most intimate and deeply held values with every mouthful.

There is a lot to learn from the long tradition of Jewish aversion to pork.

Reacting to Moses and Aaron's responses to the deaths of Nadav and Avihu provides us with an opportunity to examine our own responses to tragedy.

Although we can attempt to understand the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, we are ultimately limited and often feel powerless in the face of God.

The deaths of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron's sons, teach us the value and also danger of spontaneous religious expression.

Relationships between the individual and the Divine are indeed possible.

The priestly prohibition against excessive drinking reminds us to support those in our community challenged by alcoholism.

Several commentators discuss the relationship of the elders to the priests, the people, Moses and God.

Why was Aaron silent while mourning?

In his anger, Moses had lost his reason and knowledge of the law.

Every action we take produces a reaction.

The people fell on their faces.

Shemini: A resource for parents.

Learn more about the weekly Torah portion.

David brings the Holy Ark to Jerusalem, Samuel II 6:1-7:17.

After the dedication of the Tabernacle and the ordination of the priests, two of Aaron's sons bring a strange fire before God and are consumed by fire; God then instructs Moses and Aaron regarding which animals may be eaten.