PARASHA SHEMINI;MEVORCHIM HACHODESH IYAR

1st & 2nd Aliyot: The Parasha begins on Nissan 1, 2449. The seven-day inauguration of Aharon and his sons was completed and the ceremonies for the Mizbeach's consecration had begun. Over 40 offerings would be brought on that first day, each requiring the direct ministrations of Aharon. Aharon blessed the nation with the standard priestly blessing after which Moshe and Aharon blessed the nation with the special Bracha of Psalm 90.

3rd Aliya: The deaths of Nadav and Avihu are recorded at the very same time that fire descended from heaven to light the Mizbeach. Their cousins removed the bodies of Nadav and Avihu from the courtyard of the Mishkan. Moshe instructs Aharon and his two remaining sons, Elazar and Itamar, that they are forbidden to overtly mourn the deaths of Nadav and Avihu in the standard manner. It is from here that we are taught the standard practices of tearing Kriyah and of mourners not cutting their hair.

4th & 5th Aliyot: Moshe instructs Aharon and his sons to continue the service of the Mizbeach's consecration. The first recorded difference in Halachik rulings is recorded between Moshe and Aharon as it pertained to the eating of the Rosh Chodesh offering. (Note 16-20, Stone Edition ArtScroll pg. 595)

6th Aliya: The basic laws of Kosher and non-Kosher animals, fish, and fowl are recorded. Note that verses 11:4-7 is one of the established proofs for the divine authorship of the Torah.

7th Aliya: The basic laws of purity and impurity are recorded. It is important to clarify that the Torah does not associate "Tummah" impurity and "Taharah" purity with good and bad. The entire process involves the concept of life and death and the symbolic emphasis that the Torah places on serving G-d with optimism and vigor. So long as there is life there is the opportunity to grow in our relationship with G-d.

This week's Haftarah takes place in 2892 – 869 b.c.e. Dovid had captured the City of Dovid from the Yevussi and wished to bring the Aron Hakodesh (Holy Ark) to what would become Yerushalayim. With great fanfare and celebration Dovid was bringing the Aron when Uzah ben Avinadav disgraced the Aron and died.

Reminiscent of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu at the consecration of the Mizbeach, the death of Uzah dampened the celebration and the Aron remained in the home of Oved for three months. When Dovid was informed of the tremendous blessings that had graced the home of Oved during those three months Dovid decided that it was appropriate to bring the Aron to Jerusalem.

Dovid, despite Michal's objection (daughter of Saul and Dovid's wife), danced and celebrated before the Aron without restraint or inhibition while bringing the Aron into the City of Dovid.