Parashat Sh’mini: Leviticus 9:1–11:47
by Rabbi Russ Resnik
Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu each took his fire pan, put fire in it, and laid incense on it; and they offered before the Lord alien fire, which He had not enjoined upon them. And fire came forth from the Lord and consumed them; thus they died at the instance ofthe Lord. Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord meant when He said:
Through those near to Me I show Myself holy,
And gain glory before all the people.”
And Aaron was silent. (Lev. 10:1–3, NJPS)
Nadab and Abihu must have sinned greatly to deserve such swift and decisive punishment. Yet, Scripture says only that they offered “alien fire,” which God had not commanded them. Nadab and Abihu are priests, mediators between God and his people. Whatever the exact nature of their sin, it is clear that they somehow misrepresented God, because the Lord responds to their sin by saying, “Through those near to Me I show myself holy.” Such misrepresentation is a grave offense indeed.
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 by Rabbi Kirk Gliebe, UMJC President
This Week’s Readings:
Torah 1: Exodus 12:21-51
Haftarah: Joshua 3:5-7; 5:2-6:1, 27
Brit Chadashah: Matthew 27:1-28:20
There is a certain level of stress in keeping Passover that is just not part of the rest of the Jewish holidays. There are so many details, so much activity, and of course the elimination of leavened products, which makes eating far more complicated. Yet Passover is a holiday packed with theological meaning and spiritual instruction that is invaluable for us as Jews and as followers of the Messiah Yeshua. There is great value for each one of us to both intentionally and thoughtfully observe and remember Passover again this year.
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Shabbat Ha-Gadol, the Shabbat just before Passover, is traditionally an opportunity for the rabbi to teach on preparations for the festival. Here are some insights on one ancient part of the Seder from Rabbi Barney Kasdan. Also, don’t miss your invitation to this year’s UMJC prayer campaign, which starts during Passover: http://youtu.be/D1bIEKbHwOU?t=1s.
The Afikoman—A Sign of Messiah
At Messiah’s last seder, as the meal and reading of the Haggadah continued, Yeshua took a piece of matzah (Matt. 26:26). Of course, the entire meal would only include unleavened bread or matzah as this is one of the strict requirements of the holy day. Matthew’s wording here implies that Yeshua took a particular piece of matzah on the table. From ancient times to this very day, Jews have celebrated the seder with a specific focus at one point on a special matzah tash/pocket. This is a ceremonial container that may have a variety of artistic shapes or sizes, anything from a plate to a linen case. What is especially distinctive is that the matzah tash always has three separate compartments, each with one piece of the unleavened bread. Anyone familiar with the Passover seder details knows that this ceremonial plate is one of the key items placed at the table every year.
Even more amazing is the focus on the middle piece of matzah within that matzah tash.
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