Parshat Shemini: No Words

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No words. This was a feeling expressed by many after this past week’s tragic terrorist attack. It is also conveyed by Aaron’s reaction to the loss of his two sons in parshat Shemini. This episode is one of the biblical sources for “aninut,” (the period between death and burial) and it provides insight into why an onen is exempt from most positive mitzvot, in particular, tefilla. 

On the eighth day of the inauguration of the mishkan, which should have been the happiest and holiest of days, Aaron’s two sons offer up a “foreign fire” to God and are instantly killed. Moshe attempts to console his brother, but Aaron’s reaction is heartrending: “Vayidom Aaron,” “And Aaron was silent.” Even harder, Moshe then commands Aaron and his remaining sons that they may not follow the usual mourning rituals since they must continue serving as kohanim. One midrash interprets Aaron’s silence as a statement of faith in the face of the tragic and unexplained loss of his sons. However, some commentaries explain the silence as the only way Aaron could express his pain and inability to mourn properly. 

Aaron’s quiet pain is reinforced a few verses later when Moshe loses his temper and criticizes Aaron’s remaining sons (by extension Aaron too) for not eating the sin-offering (hatat). Aaron reacts by teaching Moshe that it would have been inappropriate to eat that sacrifice. The Talmud Zevachim explains that Aaron was correct to eat only of the sacrifices which were related to the inauguration of the mishkan, whereas it was inappropriate for an onen to eat of the regular Rosh Chodesh sin-offering. Nechama Leibowitz explains that it would need to be eaten with joy and in the right state of mind, something Aaron was understandably incapable of at that time. 

Rav Soloveitchik writes that an onen is exempt from mitzvot because at the moment of such upset, one is incapable of properly fulfilling mitzvot or praying. Torah and halakha provide a brief respite in recognition of human emotions and times when there are just no words. Shabbat Shalom -Karen Miller Jackson

Parshat Tazria (& Hachodesh): Renewal

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Is there such a thing as a spiritual ailment? Parshat Tazria suggests that perhaps there is. Tzara’at was a disease which affected not only a person’s body, but also can appear on one’s clothing and one’s home. The interpretations of the biblical description of tzara’at resonate and provide hope after a difficult week in Israel. 

While tzara’at of the skin has been interpreted by some as a physical ailment, the other 2 cases of tzara’at have no medical basis. Perhaps for this reason, Maimonides writes that they are not physical but rather supernatural. Rambam interprets the types of tzara’at as 3 levels of warning or distance from God: the lesion appears first on one’s house, then on one’s clothing and finally on the person him/herself. This view understands tzara’at as punishment or an indicator of a person’s spiritual state. 

However, tzara’at is also connected with goodness and renewal. The Torah teaches that when the people enter the land of Israel they will have tzara’at on their houses. Surprisingly, Rashi teaches that this was a “besora,” good tidings! This is a blessing since the previous owners of the houses hid their jewels in the walls which would be uncovered by Bnei Yisrael. In anticipation of hardship, God provided hidden glimmers of hope and blessings. Additionally, the kohen oversaw a process of renovation and purification which “attones for” and renews the home. 

The antidote to tzara’at provided the ability to emerge renewed and closer to Hashem. This highlights that there will be times of hardship and suffering, especially in the land of Israel, and there will also be renewal and blessings. This cycle – of darkness followed by light – is also reflected in the phases of the moon in parshat HaChodesh, read this Shabbat as well. As we mourn the recent immeasurable loss of life in Israel, we pray that it will be followed by good tidings, blessings and spiritual renewal. Shabbat Shalom – Karen Miller Jackson