On the first day of service in the Tabernacle—the sanctuary built in the desert—tragedy struck. Caught up in the excitement and spirituality of the moment, Nadav and Avihu, the two elder sons of Aaron the High Priest, decided to bring an incense offering in the Holy of Holies. Because it was not a Divinely requisite service, a heavenly fire consumed them and they died.
The Torah Sages discuss this episode at great length, attempting to uncover the real reason Nadav and Avihu died, and what they were actually trying to accomplish.
The consensus is that their goal in offering the incense without being instructed to was to become as close to G‑d as possible. They saw what their father accomplished through his service, and they wanted to experience the same high level of spirituality that he did. The problem, of course, is that achieving high levels of spirituality doesn’t occur on our terms; it can only happen when directed by G‑d. Their biggest mistake was thinking that following directions was for amateurs, and as a result they were unable to attain the spirituality they so desired.
The lesson for us today could not be more pertinent. Often we try to come up with our own ways to be Jewish, but the Torah gives us very specific instructions for how this is to be done, and anything outside of that is considered foreign and thus detrimental to our spiritual health. Only mitzvahs as G‑d commanded them can in fact bring us close to Him.
May the proper observance of mitzvahs usher in the ultimate closeness we can have with G‑d—the coming of Moshiach — speedily in our times!
Shabbat shalom,
Rabbi Chaim & Chanie
NEW SERIES: Pirkei Avot / Ethics of our Fathers - In preparation for the festival of Shavuos, we study one of the six chapters of the Talmud's Ethics of the Fathers ("Avot") on the afternoon of each of the six Shabbosim between Pesach and Shavuos; this week, being the first Shabbat after Pesach, we study Chapter One. (In many communities -- and such is the Chabad custom -- the study cycle is repeated through the summer, until the Shabbos before Rosh Hashanah.) Link: Ethics of the Fathers, Chapter 1
This weekend we celebrate Bluma's bas mitzvah! This Shabbos we will have a lunch kiddush (tomorrow, Saturday, at 1 pm) celebrating Bluma's bas mitzvah! Let us know if you plan to stay for the kiddush, and how many guests...
Upcoming Events:
- May 3-7 Antigua Guatemala Trip - An adventurous weekend of nature, soulfulness, and connection with fellow young Jewish professionals. www.yjphouston.org/guatemala
- May 5 - Cinco de Shabbat May First Fridays - Enjoy a Mexican Themed evening with other Young Jewish Professionals over Shabbat Dinner. www.yjphouston.org/cinco2023
- May 8 - Lag B'Omer Artisan raBBiQ - Experience the mystical insights of this unique not-so-famous Jewish Holiday, with TV chef Rabbi Chaim. www.yjphouston.org/raBBiQ
Shabbos Mevarchim Iyar Parshas Shemini
Friday, April 14, 23 Nissan
Candle Lighting & Mincha at 7:30 pm
Services at 7:30 pm
RSVP for Shabbat Dinner www.chabaduptown.org/shabbatdinner
Shabbos, April 15, 24 Nissan
Shabbos Mevarchim Tehillim at 8:30 am
Services at 10 am
Shabbos Mevarchim Kiddush & Farbrengen in honor of the Bas Mitzvah of Bluma Lazaroff
Torah Study of Rebbe's teachings at 6 pm
Mincha at 7:30 pm
Pirkei Avot Chapter 1
Maariv, Havdalla and Shabbos ends at 8:25 pm
Living Torah
Sunday, April 16, 25 Nissan
Shacharis at 8:00 am
Mon.-Fri. April 17-21, 26-30 Nissan
Shacharis at 6:45 am
Rosh Chodesh Iyar Shacharis and Monthly Breakfast at 6:45 am
Good Shabbos!