Nadav and Avihu

נמצאו 32 תוצאות חיפוש

The Two Narratives of Vayikra
Rabbi Dr. Avraham Walfish
תאריך פרסום: תשע"ב | |
Unlike the other four books of the Humash, Vayikra is devoted exclusively to commandments and laws. In the entire book there are only two brief narratives: the death of Nadav and Avihu in chapter 10 and the execution of the blasphemer in chapter 24. Although these two narratives seem to be unrelated, a close reading will reveal how they are thematically related, and explicate their pivotal role in developing the ideas and values of the book of Vayikra.
The Eighth Day and the Sin of Nadav and Avihu
Prof. Jonathan Grossman
What was the sin of Nadav and Avihu? This article offers an explanation related to the status and function of the kohanim, and the standing of non-kohanim in relation to the Divine Presence.
The Sin of Nadav and Avihu and the Animals Prohibited for Consumption
Rabbi Amnon Bazak
The sin of Nadav and Avihu is followed by dietary laws. Is there a relationship between the two? What is the way to achieve the correct balance in Avodat Hashem based on Parashat Shemini?
The Incense and Korah's Dispute
Rabbanit Sharon Rimon
The incense appears twice in Parashat Korah: once in the context of the incense test, and a second time when Aharon stops the plague. What is unique about incense? Is it of essential significance, or only secondary to the other vessels of the Mishkan? Why is the Altar of Incense mentioned separately from all other holy vessels?
The Zeal of Moshe, Nadav and Avihu, and Pinhas
Prof. Jonathan Grossman
There is a striking resemblance between the sin of Baal Peor and the sin of the Golden Calf. In both cases, the sin (which involves idolatry and prohibited sexual activity) follows a major public revelation; both sins are followed by a plague; and in both cases the leader - Moshe or Pinchas - commits a zealous act to stop the plague. The similarities also highlight the contrast between the two episodes, and Moshe's inactivity is emphasized in light of Pinchas's action. An additional link to Nadav and Avihu's actions at the inauguration of the Mishkan demonstrates the boundaries of zealousness and the distinction between appropriate and inappropriate zealous acts.
Walking Between Fire and Snow
Haftarot: Shemini
Rabbi Mosheh Lichtenstein
The haftara discusses the physical expression of contact with holiness, while contrasting the description with the sin of Nadav and Avihu. Nadav and Avihu act rashly because they cannot contain their love for God, but their actions ignore the need to fear God. David similarly sins when he fails to balance his extreme happiness when bringing the Holy Ark to Jerusalem with feelings of yira'h - fear of the Divine. David corrects his actions the second time when he brings the Ark, when he combines dancing before God with sacrifices, while Uzah treats the Ark as a piece of furniture that needs to be protected, without proper respect for the holy vessel.
The Significance of the Incense
Rabbi Yehuda Rock
This article analyzes the various appearances of the incense; apparently the incense signifies God's presence as a result of the sacrificial offerings. Why then did Nadav and Avihu die while offering incense? Why was the incense chosen to test kedusha and God's choice?
Each Man His Fire Pan: On The Deaths of Nadav and Avihu (Audio)
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman |
This shiur looks at the tragic death of Nadav and Avihu, and explores possible explanations for their death. More than merely straying into the precinct at the wrong time, it seems that they may have had fatal misconceptions what it means to function as a priest, and that they had fundamentally misunderstood the connection between coming close and attention to the Divine command.
The Yom Kippur Service
Rabbi Yair Kahn | 12 דקות
The tragedy of Nadav and Avihu highlights the tension between the concepts of the “thirsting for the living God” and “No man shall see me and live”. Our parasha continues from where Shemini left off and prevents the tragedy from recurring by emphasizing the importance of the ketoret (the incense cloud) as necessary in the Kohen Gadol's entrance to the Holy of Holies, as the steps of the Yom Kippur Service are presented.
The Incense Challenge
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 30 דקות
The rebellion of Korach, Datan, Aviram, and the 250 men offering incense is complex, with multiple agendas. The holiness incense “test” suggested by Moshe is perplexing, especially in light of the Nadav and Avihu story. Was it a death threat? If so, would it not have been an obvious one? Why did the men agree to it?
The Zeal of Moshe, Nadav and Avihu, and Pinchas (audio)
Prof. Jonathan Grossman | 22 דקות
This shiur begins by examines the episode of Ba’al-Pe’or and contrasts it with the sin of the Golden Calf. The story of Nadav and Avihu is also compared with Pinchas. By contrasting Nadav and Abihu and their initiative with Pinchas, who jumps into the fray, we gain insight into the limits of zeal and the “tikkun” aspect of the motivations of Pinchas.
Alien Fire and Religious Passion
Rabbi Alex Israel | 32 דקות
Shemini includes the sudden death by fire of the sons of Aharon, as they bring the “strange fire”. What did they do wrong? While looking at related texts, we explore several different approaches to what happened, why they died, and the difficult messages that emerge.
What Does Aaron Teach Us About Loss?
Rabbi David Fohrman |
After the sudden death of Nadav and Avihu, Aaron's two sons, Moses argues with Aaron's remaining sons regarding a sacrifice they have brought. What is the argument fundamentally about, and what does the episode teach us about overcoming loss?

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Parshat Shemini
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 36 דקות
Why is the Torah unclear about the cause of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu? What is the reason for God's harsh reaction? How are we to understand the tragic event? Examining the story within its larger context provides answers to these questions, and teaches us about the function of the Kohanim as facilitators of God's presence in the world.
Darosh Darash
Rabbi Ezra Bick
In the immediate aftermath of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu there is a puzzling vague incident involving Moshe and Aharon regarding eating of sacrifices. What is happening in the story and what are the reasons behind it? By closely examining the story we can understand it in a new light, and also appreciate its application to the relationship between God and Am Yisrael.
The Finger of God
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 41 דקות
How do we understand the affliction of tzara'at? Why are the laws of tzara'at placed in the middle of Sefer Vayikra? By closely reading the text and noticing parallels in the story of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, we can learn about the uniqueness of tzara'at as a supernatural affliction that comes from God, and the role of the Kohanim in distinguishing between tum'ah and tahara.
Of Death and Defilement
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman
Why did the Torah place the laws of tum'a and tahara in between the stories of the deaths of the sons of Aharon and the laws of entering the Mishkan? Why do the laws of the metzora directly follow the story of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu? It is possible that the answer to this question lies in the mutual exclusivity of the concepts of holiness and tum'a, and the link between tum'a and death.
The Death of Aaron's Sons, and the Priestly Service on Yom Kippur
Rabbi Yair Kahn
The Torah draws a substantive connection between the commandment concerning the priestly service on Yom Kippur and the death of Aharon's sons. By examining this connection in light of the sin of Aharon's sons and the sin of the Golden Calf, we can reach a deeper understanding of the significance of Yom Kippur and its service, and of standing before God.
The Destruction of the City
Dr. Tova Ganzel
The prophecy concerning the imminent fate of the city resembles the destruction that Yehezkel had prophesied in the past, but he no longer reacts with cries of surprise or distress, as he had earlier; now he is apathetic. From now on, his pre-destruction prophetic mission is limited to describing the situation in the city.

The description begins presenting a city that is full of bloodshed. Yehezkel’s accusation is against all of Jerusalem’s inhabitants – all classes and positions. Throughout the book Yehezkel avoids using the name Jerusalem altogether. Perhaps this is that the actions of the nation have not only led to the defiling of the name, but have also caused a rupture in God’s attitude towards the eternity of the city.

Chapter 24 contains two accounts of loss: the loss of Yehezkel’s wife, and the loss of the Temple. The connection between Yehezkel’s private loss and the nation’s loss of the Temple indicates that the profaning of the Temple is irreversible: in other words, the Temples that will be built after the destruction of the First Temple represent a new creation, not a recreation of the Temple that existed.

Yehezkel is commanded not to mourn for his wife as a sign to the people. Why, then, is Am Yisrael commanded not to mourn over the Temple?

The withholding of mourning may represent a sort of Divine punishment – or, alternatively, an act of acceptance of God’s will. Perhaps mourning is only significant for the comfort that others give to the mourner and the commandment not to mourn signifies that there are none to comfort.

This prophecy concludes Yehezkel’s prophecies of rebuke uttered before the destruction and ends his term of silence.
Atonement for Nadav and Avihu's Sin
Rabbi Yehuda Rock
Moshe, Aharon, and the Se'ir Hachatat
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 10 דקות
Following the sin and deaths of Nadav and Avihu, there is a somewhat unclear conversation between Aharon and Moshe regarding Aharon and his remaining sons’ obligation to mourn, and Moshe rebukes them for burning the sacrifice of the Se’ir Hachatat instead of eating it. What is at the root of this dialogue? What is the meaning behind Aharon’s response? A close analysis of the text and some of the classical commentaries reveals several answers to these questions, and also relates to a greater question of Biblical exegesis and the relationship between Oral and Written law.
In Response to Death
Rabbanit Sharon Rimon
What is the nature of Aharon’s reaction to the deaths of his sons, and of the exchange between Moshe and Aharon? What is the significance of Aharon’s silence? Through a close examination of the episode we can understand these responses and come to a realization that these deaths may have been necessary in order to teach the nation the proper caution and respect towards God's sanctity. The connection between "mortals hewn of material substances" and Divine sanctity requires a special Divine service; it involves special rules. Any deviation from these rules is dangerous, but drawing closer in accordance with the rules is truly part of God's will. It is this that instills man with power and sanctity, raising him up and completing him.
Shemini: A Roller Coaster of Emotions
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 20 דקות
We examine the quintessential "Yom HaShemini" ("The Eighth Day) - the roller coaster of emotions that transpires on this culmination of the Seven days of preparation for the Dedication of the Mishkan. This day of great tension is meant to include Divine Revelation in the Mishkan, showing that God has forgiven Israel for the Golden Calf, at least to the extent that He will once again show Himself to be in their midst. This is also the day the Mishkan becomes operative with Aharon as Kohen Gadol, despite his role in the Sin of the Golden Calf.

But there is a delay. What accounts for the delayed revelation? Does something go wrong? We consider the complicated mix of emotions as the revelatory moment comes at the same time as the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, and look at the significance of other important "eighth days."
Aharon and the Aftermath of the Deaths of Nadav and Avihu: A Logical or Emotional Response?
Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell
תאריך פרסום: תש"ע | | 19 דקות
After the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, Moshe becomes angry at Aharon for not eating the meat of the Korban Hattat (sin offering). Aharon's response is that it would be inappropriate to eat the meat of the Hattat under today’s circumstances.

What is Aharon trying to say? Is it a rational response, logically reasoning that he should not be eating "atonement meat" on a day where it seems clear that he has not received atonement? Or is there a different explanation? We look at the contents of Parashat Shemini, especially the aftermath of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu to explain why an emotional response superceding Torah law would be an inappropriate response here.
Shmini: Comforting Cousins
Rabbi Jay Kelman
Acharei Mot: Preparing for Yom Kippur
Rabbi Jay Kelman
Shemini: Close to G-d
Rabbi Jay Kelman
The Entry of the Kohen Gadol into the Kodesh Kodashim
Rabbi Amnon Bazak
Parashat Acharei-Mot begins with the procedure of the Kohen Gadol's entry into the Kodesh Kodashim. It is introduced with a warning to the Kohen Gadol lest he treat the occasion with less than the required awe and dignity. Then the Torah sets forth the way in which the Kohen Gadol is to enter: the sacrifices that he must bring for himself, the goats which he must take from Bnei Yisrael, the special garments that he is to wear, and a detailed order of service, including bringing a censer of burning coals with incense into the Kodesh Kodashim.

What is the connection between the order of service as set forth here and the "death of the two sons of Aharon, when they drew near to God, and they died"?

Through an examination of the text, we can understand that the tikkun for the sin of Nadav and Avihu is the integration of the private religious experience of the Kohen Gadol with a sense of connection to the people and his identity and role as their emissary. The Kohen Gadol's right to enter the Kodesh Kodashim and to experience the uplifting and sanctity of this proximity to the Divine Presence arises not from his personal status, but rather from his role as the representative of Am Yisrael.
Why Did God Reject Nadav and Avihu?
Rabbi David Fohrman |
In this week's parsha, we see the sudden and disturbing death of two of Aaron's sons, Nadav and Avihu. In exploring the text more closely, what earlier Biblical story shows parallel themes and language to this story, and what is the meaning behind this connection?

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Bamidbar: Who Cares About Genealogy?
Rabbi David Fohrman |
In Parshat Bamidbar, we read a genealogy of the families of the nation of Israel - but isn't that kind of boring? In this video, we get a closer insight into some strange verses about Aaron's family, and Rabbi Fohrman gives us insight into what it truly means to be a teacher.

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Parashat Shemini - The Eighth Day and the Golden Calf
Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 35 דקות
Parashat Shemini contains the death of Nadav and Avihu. The standard question asks: why do they die? But we want to look at the context of story. What is going on on the eighth day? Why is there no mention of the eighth day in Shemot? What is the connection between deaths and eighth days? Is this eighth day a special command to atone for the Golden Calf, and are the deaths connected to the sin of the Golden Calf? How does each story inform the other?
Parshat Shemini Part 2: Nadav and Avihu in the Line Of Fire
Shani Taragin | 30 דקות
This podcast continues the discussion of the Yom Hashmini, the eighth day of the dedication of the Mishkan, and discuss its power in atoning for the sin of the golden calf. We also learn about the tragic deaths of Nadav and Avihu and explore various suggestions among the commentators as to the nature of their sin.

Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com