In this week’s Torah Portion Sh’mini Aaron begins the job of the High Priest. He is told by Moses to bring sacrifices to the Tent of Meeting. At the conclusion of the sacrifices The Presence of God appears to all those who were present. This was an incredible moment for Aaron as God accepted his offerings and he now knows that he can function as the High Priest for all the Children of Israel. Nadav and Abihu , Aaron’s sons put fire and incense in their fire pans, the Torah calls it alien fire to God. A fire then appears from God and they are immediately vaporized. Moses explains God’s actions to Aaron, saying that the deaths of Nadav and Abihu specifically demonstrate that the responsibilities of the Priest are to do exactly what God asks of them and are not to deviate. Aaron remains silent and does not respond.

The Rabbis have discussed this passage in great detail. They come up with many explanations all of which sound hollow. It is a very troubling passage and no explanation can explain it away. I want to draw attention to Aaron’s response which is silence. There are moments in life where talking does not help and on the contrary is a hindrance. Many times words are not enough they can not explain the depths of feelings that people are experiencing. In our tradition it says when you enter a house of mourning do not say anything to the mourners until they speak to you. Good advice. Before talking it is best to assess the feelings of the mourner, by waiting for them to speak to you, you can respond in kind. We should remember that oftentimes just the presence of a loved one or dear friend is enough.

Cantor Sussman