Parashat Shemini receives its unique name from its first central topic where we describe the sequence of events that occurred on the eighth day of the inauguration of the Mishkan. Am Yisrael brought offerings to atone for all their sins, and a fire descended from heaven to burn the offerings on the altar. Just imagine, a year earlier, Am Yisrael worshiped the golden calf, and HaShem wanted to wipe them out and build a new nation through Moshe Rabbeinu. Moshe saved Am Yisrael through his Tefilot, but they still were not sure if HaShem fully forgave them. Therefore, this moment, that they were all waiting for, where the fire descended from heaven and acceptingly consumed their offerings, was a powerful moment showing HaShem’s abundance of endless love for Am Yisrael.
But suddenly, something goes terribly wrong, and the joy turns into grief. The two sons of Aharon HaKohen, Nadav and Avihu, offered a Ketoret offering that was not requested by HaShem. A fire came from heaven and consumed them. Nadav and Avihu’s passing was heartbreaking, even for a nation who had witnessed many heartbreaking events in history. The Zohar HaKadosh says something very interesting. The Zohar says that if a person sheds tears over the death of Nadav and Avihu on Yom Kippur when we read it, HaShem forgives all his sins and he is guaranteed that his children will have long lives.
Many commentators seek to understand why Nadav and Avihu were punished so severely. Based on Chazal, we learn from the Torah that Moshe comforted Aharon by telling him, “I know that the inauguration was going to be marred by the loss of the holiest people of Am Yisrael. HaShem told me, ‘b’krovai ekadesh — I will be sanctified through those who are nearest Me.’” Chazal teach us that Moshe told Aharon, “I always thought that one of us would die, but now I see that Nadav and Avihu are even greater than we are.”
Let’s try to understand Aharon’s reaction, or rather his lack of a reaction. If someone doesn’t respond, why is it so important to tell us that he didn’t respond. Sometimes people stay quiet because they have no words to express their feelings. Sometimes people are quiet because they are so upset and angry with what happened. Sometimes people are quiet because they are shocked. Sometimes people are quiet because they agree with the other person. What is the case here? Why is Aharon quiet and doesn’t respond? It seems like the Torah is trying to teach us a profound lesson.
Of course, there are many explanations that are given, and I would like to suggest one. The Gemara in Masechet Berachot tells us that the best words of comfort for mourners is none, and that silence is best. When one expresses his wisdom and unique character, he discovers what is special about him. This is great, but sometimes it comes along with our differences to others, and can lead to disagreements between people. By being quiet, even if we have a lot to say, it brings more unity between people. Aharon comes to teach us that even if there is much to say, it is better not to say anything. This is also why Aharon was beloved by so many people. Any opportunity had, he would try to bring unity.
From Aharon we learn that not only when you don’t have something smart to say, you shouldn’t say anything, but sometimes even when you do have something smart to say, you shouldn’t for the sake of peace and unity. With Aharon, he had so much to say, he felt like it was better not to say it, so that each one can connect with him in the way that is best for them.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Eliyahu Tal