April 5, 2024 · כ"ז אדר ב' תשפ״ד
Shemini/Hachodesh · שמיני\החודש
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA Parshat Shmini begins with the story of the Chanukat Hamishkan: the inauguration of the Mishkan, the central place of worship for Bnei Yisrael. Aharon and his sons, newly appointed as Kohanim, begin their holy duties by offering korbanot (sacrifices) on behalf of the people. Sadly, during this celebration, tragedy strikes when Aharon's sons, Nadav and Avihu, offer a korban that was not permitted and they die as a result. Upon hearing the terrible news from Moshe, Aharon was silent, and Hashem rewarded him for that reaction.
ONE BIG IDEA When discussing non-kosher birds, the Torah lists the Chasidah. Rashi explains that it is named that because it does acts of chessed (kindness) with its species by sharing its food. If this is a compassionate bird, then why would it not be kosher? The answer is that it limits its kindness to its own kind and not to other species. While the chasidah practices selflessness, it also practices selfishness. That’s not a Jewish value and it might be the reason that it isn’t kosher.
Following this sad incident, the parsha discusses the laws of Kashrut for animals, fish, and birds. Kosher animals require two signs: their foot needs to be split in two (referred to as a split hoof) and they need to chew their cud, which means after swallowing their food, it comes back into their mouth and they eat it again (seriously). Fish also need two signs: fins and scales. Birds of prey such as eagles, falcons or vultures are not Kosher. The remainder of the parsha discusses rules of Tum’ah (impurity) and Tahara (purity). One can become tameh in various ways such as through touching or eating non-kosher animals. The Torah then discusses ways of purifying oneself using a Mikvah. A Mikvah is a natural body of water such as an ocean, a spring, or a collection of rainwater. Several times, the parsha discusses the importance of being like Hashem. Just as Hashem is holy, so too you should try your best to live a holy life.
TIMES - זמנים Candle-lighting: 7:07pm Havdalah: 8:04pm allah: 5:25pm