For the week of Friday, April 5, 2024

Our Torah portion’s title comes from the opening account that, on the eighth day after their seven days of consecration, Aaron and his sons entered into their priestly office. Soon afterwards follows the narrative of the death of Aaron’s eldest sons, Nadav and Abihu. According to the Torah, they “offered strange fire upon God’s altar which He did not command them to do.” Here is a profound example of the biblical characters confusing the issue of the sacred and the profane. This chapter 10 provides no explanation of Aaron’s reaction to his sons’ death; only to say, “Aaron was silent.” This raises a host of questions about his behavior, his grief, and his reaction to Moses’ words. This chapter has engaged commentators for more than 1500 years.

The remainder of the Torah portion lists the kinds of animals that may be eaten by the Israelites. They include: only mammalian ungulates; birds that are not carnivorous, and fish with scales and fins. All other vertebrate animals are strictly prohibited. Also, no invertebrates are permitted.