On the day of the Mishkan’s dedication, disaster struck. Yes, divine fire emerged and consumed the offerings on the altar, expressing God’s joyous revelation to Israel. But at the same moment, that fire struck and killed two young priests, sons of Aharon.
Aharon was functioning as the High Priest and his remaining two sons were the only other priests. Moses instructed Aharon and his sons to continue the day’s sacrificial service (10:6); after all, it was the day of the Tabernacle’s dedication and they were the only priestly family. The service had to be completed.
But not exactly…
Click here to read more from Rabbi Alex Israel in this week’s Parsha Discussion: Shemini: In the Wake of Tragedy.
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