Perasha Summary
by Rabbi Dr. Ronnie Hasson
At the end of Perashat Tzav (the previous perasha), Moshe performed the seven-day ceremony to inaugurate the Mishkan. He preformed all the services during the 7 day inauguration period. Now, Perashat Shemini begins on the eighth day of this period. Moshe teaches Aharon and his sons the laws they must follow. From that day forward only Aharon and his sons (now designated as the Kohanim or priests) would be allowed to perform the services listed in this week’s perasha.
The Mishkan is inaugurated and the first sacrifices are brought. Nadav and Avihu, two of Aharon's four sons (Elazar and Itamar are the other two), are killed by Hashem. Exactly what their error was, is a matter of dispute among the commentators (for some of the possible reasons, see the quiz below). Aharon does not question Hashem, yet accepts their death and does not perform the mourning rituals. From what he doesn't do, our Rabbis learned the laws of what a mourner should do. Aharon is rewarded for his self-control.
The Perasha concludes with the laws of Kashrut. It discusses which animals, fish, birds, etc. are allowed and which are not allowed to be eaten.
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