“Strange Fire”
Our parashah contains a passage of deep poignance and painful paradox. It begins in Leviticus chapter 10 with an account of Moses’ final instructions to Aaron and his sons for the initiation of the priestly functions on the eighth day following their formal consecration. In the remainder of the chapter, everything seems to proceed perfectly, with Aaron’s sons appropriately assisting him. We can imagine the elation that Aaron must have felt on this occasion, performing a unique role together with his sons, fulfilling God’s commands on behalf of the entire people in their presence.
The views expressed in this D’var Torah do not necessarily reflect the position of Leo Baeck College.