It’s almost too much to believe that this Shabbat we read Parshat Shmini - confronting the death of the sons of Aharon - two brothers, Nadav and Avihu. This, after the incomprehensible tragedies befalling such treasured ‘Achim v’Achayot b’Yisrael’.
The horrific tragedy of the Dee family has overwhelmed us all on so many levels. The extreme expression of hatred, the abhorrent level of destruction, and the astounding courage in the response of the father, Rabbi Leo Dee, in his call for unity, Israeli pride and the basic morality of all religions, has engaged the Jewish People across the globe and hopefully reverberated even beyond, to the family of nations.
The tragedy of Aharon’s sons occurs amidst the joy of the inauguration of the Mishkan, just as we contend with this shock amidst Chag HaPesach.
וַיֹּ֨אמֶר מֹשֶׁ֜ה אֶֽל־אַהֲרֹ֗ן הוּא֩ אֲשֶׁר־דִּבֶּ֨ר יְהֹוָ֤ה ׀ לֵאמֹר֙ בִּקְרֹבַ֣י אֶקָּדֵ֔שׁ וְעַל־פְּנֵ֥י כׇל־הָעָ֖ם אֶכָּבֵ֑ד וַיִּדֹּ֖ם אַהֲרֹֽן׃
Then Moshe said to Aharon, “This is what Hashem meant by saying: Through those close to Me I will be sanctified, And before all the people, I will be glorified.” And Aharon was silent.
The level of tragedy is too much to bear and cannot be deciphered in words. We have to suffice with humble silence, as our finite understanding of this world is overwhelmed.
Perhaps we can respond through action - by bringing greater purpose to our lives - learning from the holy ways of “those close to me”. There is no shortage of inspiration to draw from these lost siblings.
The tragedy of Aharon takes place ‘Bayom HaShmini’ - on the 8th day. 8 represents that which is beyond nature (7 weekdays, 7 musical notes, 7 continents, 7 seas, 7 colours of the rainbow,...). On its side, 8 is the symbol of infinity. A brit milah is on the 8th day for the same reason.
Just as the pain comes from beyond, so too may the comfort come from beyond - for the Dee family and for Am Yisrael as a united whole. HaMakom yenachem…
May we experience the Geulah Shleima soon in our days.
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