Parshat Shemini: Leviticus 9:1 - 11:47

As we finish the Passover holiday and we count the Omer toward the next holy days of Shavuot--the time of remembering the revelation at Mt. Sinai, we read this week's portion from the Torah, Shimini. After a week of dietary restrictions for Pesach--we are reminded in this week's portion of the forbidden and permitted foods. The origins of Kashrut, of the laws of keeping kosher are described here.

But at the very beginning of the portion in the opening verses, Moses turns over the responsiblities of the sacrificial offerings to Aaron the High Priest and his sons. The priesthood was intiatiated during a week of celebrations. Aaron and his sons were ordained by Moses and now on the eighth day (from whence the portion gets it name, Shimini) Aaron must offer the daily offerings. And life must move on to its regular rthymns. Aaron the High Priest takes the daily offerings and initiates the regular sacrifices of the people on the altar. But there is still a newness to it all. Moses is still by his side teaching, watching and approving. The parasha tells us that the entire community of Israel came forward with Moses to watch and to make sure that all was correct. The people too had to accept Aaron and his sons as High Priest. Although appointed by God and annoited by Moses, the faith that the people would put in the priesthood also had to shape this first experience of offering the sacrifices. They were witness to this moment of transition and elevation of Aaron to the priesthood.

Even as Aaron offers these sacrifices Moses is by his side making sure they were done correctly. After all God told Moses about the sacrifices not Aaron and Moses had to train Aaron in the ways of worship. So Moses is by his side making sure that the details are honored and the people can trust in Aaron.

As the first offerings are made Aaron turns to the people to bless them. Aaron lifts up his hands in prayer and blessing. Rashi teaches us that this blessing was the priestly benediction recorded in the book of Numbers parshat Naso, chapter 6:22-27. This blessing might have been integral to the offering invoking God's presence and blessing upon the people. Then the portion tells us thsked Mat Aaron stepped down from the altar and with Moses went inside the Tent of Meeting. Did they do this to debreif in private? Did Moses point out tips of the trade? Or as some scholars said Moses went into the Tent of Meeting to now teach Aaron the service of the incense. While yet another midrash in the Sifra quoted also by Rashi teaches that Aaron was upset that God's Divine Glory had not yet descended upon the altar and Moses to come into the Tent of Meeting so he didn't lose face among the people. They prayed for compassion and the Divine Presence--the Glory of God descended upon the Tent of Meeting and the holy flame consumed the offerings.

The people were witness to the Divine Glory and they saw the Divine fire. But even as Moses and Aaron left the Tent of Meeting--before the Glory of God descended, Moses and Aaron turned again to the the people and blessed them.

I like to imagine that God's presence descended not just because of the sacrifices but because of the blessing of the people and their heartfelt responses. When Moses and Aaron share their gifts, their leadership, the holiness of their work and help uplift the people even as they uplift their hands with blessing, it is then that God appears.

For us today--when we say be a blessing-we too are inviting God's Divine Glory to descend upon our lives and the lives of those we touch.
Be a mensch, walk with humilty, serve God and others.
Share your gifts and talents then the Divine Holy Presence makes itself known in our lives.