In the midst of the great dedication celebration of the Mishkan (the original Temple), Aaron's two sons are consumed by a Heavenly fire. Their sin? Bringing "a strange fire."
The Midrash cites various opinions regarding the nature of their shortcoming. One fascinating answer is their refusal to marry. While there is a clear directive in Judaism to wed, especially for the High Priest, this is generally not regarded as a capital offense. In fact, Maimonides relates that celibacy may be permissible for the select few, like the 2nd century sage, Ben Azzai, "who cleave to God all their days" (Ishut 15:3). If so, why was their punishment so harsh?
Perhaps their death was not a punishment but a direct result of their lifestyle choice. The Kotzker Rebbe used to comment that the Torah (Exodus 22) instructs us to be "holy men" not "holy angels." God has enough angels in the Heavens, he created us to engage in, and sublimate the physical reality around us.
Aaron's sons wanted to emulate the angels. God accepted their choice but brought them home to Heaven. They no longer belonged on Earth. It is striking that Ben Azzai, who also chose a celibate lifestyle, ascended in a transcendental trance to the Heavens never to return as well (Hagiga 14B).
Whether angels are holier than men is open to debate. Either way, that's not our mission. We're here to be holy men and women. Anything else is a strange fire.
|
United Shabbat - A Taste of Russia - April 9th, 2016
Come & experience an authentic Russian Shabbat with special kids program and delicious cuisine at our Shabbat luncheon.
AYO Kids Carnival : 10:45am, Sermon : 11:15am, Luncheon : 12:00pm
|
Hamilton Hebrew Academy Grade 5 Production...
FIDDLER IN THE ROOF. TWO PERFORMANCES!!! Wed. April 13th 1:00 pm & 6:00pm Ticket Prices: Adult $6 | Child $2. (Sponsorship available). Reserve Here
|
This Shabbat!
Thank you to our sponsors, Russel, Hayley, Joshua, Jarred & Daniel Brown in honour of their daughter and sister, Leah, on the occasion of her first birthday. Mazel Tov!
|
The Adas Seder Saturday
Saturday, April 23rd @ 8:30 PM
Great fun for everyone. Click here for more info or to reserve!
|
Hebrew Village on Mondays!
Give Your Child the Ultimate Jewish Experience (ages 6-9). Monday Nights 5:45-7:30
Judaism Alive (5:45pm):
The basics of Jewish Living
Aleph Champs (6:15pm): Basic foundations of Hebrew Language Hebrew in the Kitchen (6:45pm): Practical Conversational Hebrew with activities... Can't do Mondays? Join the fee on-line Hebrew School Program at www.totallyonline.com OR Contact Rabbi Tsaidi to set up one on one learning and customize your children's needs by e-mailing [email protected] or call (289) 700-6791. Jolo's on Thursdays !
Grades 6-8.
Pizza, deep thoughts & fun at 6:30pm.
|