Parsha_Push for Shmini
Rabbanit Dr. Adina Sternberg
Our Parsha demonstrates what happens when responsibility is handed over. For seven days Moshe plays an active role in the education and dedication of Aaron and his sons towards priesthood. Moshe does all the work, while the priests remain passive.
On the eighth day, God will reveal Himself, and the priests will reveal what they can achieve with their new responsibilities.
Now we will see that while exercising free will, responsibility can be abused. Nadav and Avihu will exploit their role and they and those who have sent them will pay a high price.
Aaron, on the other hand, will embrace his responsibility, applying his judgement for the sake of serving God and His people in the best possible way.
As parents and educators know, there is a certain point where one needs to let go and take a step back. Things can go wrong and bad choices can be made, but without that one can never have a chance to make good choices or show real devotion to, and even understanding of, a higher entity and purpose.
