This Is The Thing! Parshas Shmini begins with the day of the inauguration of the Mishkan and the Hashraas HaShechina as a sign that Hashem has forgiven them for the Cheit HaEigel. The first few pasukim discuss the Korbonos that Aharon and Bnei Yisroel were commanded to bring in order to bring about Hashraas HaShechina. After that the entire Bnei Yisroel is commanded to gather in front of the Mishkan.
The next pasuk (Shmimi (9:6) says, “Zeh HaDavar Asher Tziva Hashem Taasu”, this is the thing that Hashem commands the entire Bnei Yisroel to do. However instead of instructing Bnei Yisroel what this “thing” is, the following pasukim talk specifically to Aharon and how he must do the Avodah. What happened to the commandment of “Zeh HaDavar” to Bnei Yisroel?
The Rishonim answer this B’Derech Pshat. Rav Yechiel Yaakov Weinberg in Lifrakim says B’Derech Drush that this “thing”, refers to the assembly of all of Bnei Yisroel in front of the Mishkan. After the Cheit HaEigel Bnei Yisroel desperately waited for a sign that Hashem forgave them and is once again willing to be among them. The initial forgiveness was granted on Yom Kippur and they were commanded to build a Mishkan for the sake of returning the Shechina to dwell among them. They generously poured money and their talents into this effort.
In Kislev the project was complete but Hashem did not instruct them to erect the Mishkan. They waited longingly for over three months wondering when and if the command will ever come. Then finally Hashem told Moshe to erect the Mishkan but only for a practice run and without Hashraas HaShechina. Now finally the day had come. They were told to assemble before the Mishkan and were told which Korbonos Aharon should bring to inaugurate the Mishkan and bring HaShraas HaShechina. They all stood there in unison, every single person waiting breathlessly pining for the great moment when Shechina would descend.
With this glorious spirit in the air Moshe said, “Zeh HaDavar Asher Tziva Hashem Taasu.” Moshe Rabbeinu pointed to the this great assembly and said, this is what Hashem wants. When Bnei Yisroel so deeply yearns and desires to be with their Father in Heaven and live with His presence among them, only then can we be zocheh to this literal state of Heaven on earth.
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The Death Of Tzadikim The Meshech Chochma explains that the whole purpose of Nadav and Avihu’s deaths was to cause a Kiddush Hashem. When the tzadikim are punished for small aveiros, people realize that they themselves need to seriously rectify their own behavior.
Hashem’s resting of his Shechina on the Mishkan was a sign that He forgave Bnei Yisrael for Chait Ha’Egel. Therefore, Bnei Yisrael may have gotten the mistaken impression that even when they do a severe aveira like the egel, Hashem will quickly forgive them and that Hashem is a “Vatran”. Therefore, by instantly killing two great tzadikim like Nadav and Avihu for a small aveira, Hashem restored the fear of His judgement among the people. Therefore, their perfectly timed deaths on this very day caused a great Kiddush Hashem.
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The Fire At The Vilna Gaon’s Levaya After Nadav and Avihu died it says, “V’Chol Bais Yisroel Yivku Es Hasreifa Asher Saraf Hashem; the entire nation will cry and extinguish the raging fire that hashem burned.” (Shemini 10:6) What are these fires and what does it have to do with the death of a Tzaddik? The Pninim MiShulchan Gavoa brings that at the Levaya of the Vilna Gaon, the Chayei Adam, Rav Avhrohon Danzig, said that the Midas HaDin, which is like a raging fire, constantly prosecutes Bnei Yisrael. The way to extinguish this fire is with water, the water of Torah. While the tzadikim are alive, their Torah keeps the fire at bay and prevents it from devouring Klal Yisrael. Upon their death, the water stops to flow, and the fire can grow out of control, causing great damage to Klal Yisrael. The only thing that extinguishes this fire are the tears that run from our eyes upon the news of their passing. Hashem tells Klal Yisrael to cry rivers of tears for the Tzaddikim as a way of saving ourselves, despite the loss of our water filled protector.
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The Pig Will Do Tshuva The Pasuk says regarding the kashrus of a pig, “Vihoo Gairah Lo Yigar; Apig may not be eaten because it does not chew its cud.” The Or Hachaim Hakadosh explains, that these words are telling us that as long as the pig does not chew its cud it is prohibited; but when it starts chewing its cud it will be Mutar to eat. This will take place LeAsid Lavo – in the time of Mashiach. That is why the pig is called a Chazer. Because it will return (Chozer) and become kosher in the future.
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Glory In Death After the tragic deaths of Nadav and Avihu, Moshe told Aharon (Shmini 10:3) this is what Hashem meant when He said, “Bikrova Ekadesh; I will glorify Myself through My holy ones.” How did Moshe know that their death was the great Kiddush Hashem that was foretold? Where in death lies the greatness of Hashem?
Rav Shimshon Pincus brings the Gemara (Niddah 30b) that says, “Ki Licha Tichra Kol Berech; All knees will bow to You,” means death. When Hashem does Din, people fear Him and His name is glorified. There is no greater Din than death. Rav Shimshon says, “We see that by a levaya even non religious people put on a Yarmulka and say Kaddish as they stand in awe of Hashem. When there is a dead body present all subjugate themselves to Hashem. This is why,” says Rav Shimshon, “Chilul Hashem is not forgiven even on Yom Kippur, only with death. Only Kiddush Hashem can rectify Chilul Hashem, and there is no Kiddush Hashem like death.”

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