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Where did these tragic events take place, and what does this teach us about the underlying elements of the episode that transpired? Rav Acha and Rav Z’eira (Vayikra Rabba 20:5), who compared the matter to Titus’ entry into the Holy of Holies, apparently understood that Nadav and Avihu were killed there. Another indication is that the commandment in Acharei Mot about not entering the Holy of Holies was introduced with the words "after Aharon’s two sons died, as they approached before Hashem and they died" (ibid. 16:1).
On the other hand, it is logical that Nadav and Avihu were in the kodesh (the Holy) at the time. After all, they were offering incense, and the gold altar upon which this was done was in the kodesh. Rav Yishmael felt that this view was implied by the description "before Hashem." Tosafot (Eruvin 63a) and the Ibn Ezra posit that the tragedy transpired in the azara (courtyard) of the Mishkan, where the altar for animals stood. This connects the fire that killed them to the fire that had previously come from the Heavens to consume the offerings on that altar (Vayikra 9:24).
The Meshech Chochma develops this idea in a brilliant manner that explains the next section as well. The following p’sukim tell of Moshe’s complaints against Aharon’s remaining sons for not eating a certain korban that day. The pasuk tells us that the se’ir hachatat sacrifice was burned. Moshe said that there was no reason to have done that because the blood had not been brought into the kodesh. Much has been written to try to uncover the exact disagreement between Moshe and Elazar and Itamar, "Aharon’s remaining sons." The simple meaning of the words implies that they thought that the korban was an inner korban and was thus burned, whereas Moshe thought that it was an external korban. However, it should have been a clear fact which type of korban it was, so what was the argument? Also, what is the connection between this question and the story of Nadav and Avihu, which would justify their being called "the remaining sons," implying that they were barely spared from their brothers’ fate?
The Meshech Chochma explains that Nadav and Avihu believed that at this time of spiritual elevation, everything was "upped a notch" spiritually. The outer altar should be treated like the inner one and could be used for incense. Similarly, Elazar and Itamar felt that the korban that was brought on the outer altar should be treated like those brought on the inner. As the two mistakes were similar to each other, it was only because of Aharon’s merit that the remaining sons were spared despite their mistake (see Yoma 87a).
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
