In Parashas Shemini [10:1,]
the Torahs tells us the story of Aharon's sons, Nadav and Avihu,
whose lives were taken for bringing a sacrifice. The Toras Kohanim
explains that their actions were motivated by their overwhelming love
for Hashem. When they witnessed the Heavenly fire descend, they felt
the urge to contribute a fire of their own to express their love for
Hashem. Despite their pure motivation, immediately a Heavenly fire
emerged from the Kodesh Kedoshim and consumed them.
Why were they killed for bringing a
sacrifice? It seemed like a noble thing to do, didn't it? “After
all,” they thought, “Hashem did write in His Torah that the sons
of Aharon, the Kohen, shall place a fire on the altar...” [Vayikra
1:7]
The problem: This 'noble' sacrifice was
unauthorized. Regardless of their intentions, it's not what Hashem
wanted from them. There were “rules” about bringing a sacrifice
and they disobeyed those rules.
The question is; why is this episode
mentioned again in this week's parasha? It says, “And Hashem spoke
to Moshe after the death of Aharon's two sons, who brought a korbon
before Hashem. Hashem spoke to Moshe: Speak to your brother Aharon
that he not come into the Holy Sanctuary at all times, so that he
won't die.” Why wait four parashiyos later to say this?
I think the answer is a big lesson in
life. I will first give an example and then explain the lesson.
Sometimes my kids want to be helpful,
so they “help” out around the house; what they call 'helpful', we
call unhelpful. For example, they take upon themselves to
clean and organize the house. The problem: Sometimes, it's easier if
they didn't organize the house, because the items we knew where they
were are now nowhere to be found! And when we find them, we have to
put them back to where they really belong. It was nice and
thoughtful, however, unhelpful and time-consuming.
The lesson: When we want to help
someone, perhaps it's a good idea to do it the way they want it done.
Otherwise it's really the opposite of helping. Nadav and Avihu, too,
could have had every good intention on Earth, but they failed to
inquire from Moshe Rebeinu whether this is what Hashem wanted.
It's wonderful to want to do an act of
kindness for someone else. The question is whether you're really
helping them by doing so. The fact that Hashem re-told Moshe to warn
Aharon about the gedarim of bringing sacrifices, shows how important
it is to do it in the right time, right setting, and the right way –
the way the receiver would want it done – and not your
way.
Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Nisso
Posts
