Parshat Shemini

9 myths

The inauguration of the Tabernacle, the death of Nadab and Abihu, and the laws of kosher animals. Leviticus 9:1-11:47.
Parshat Shemini 5 min

Aaron's Sons Died on the Best Day of His Life

This was the best day of Elisheba's life. Her husband was high priest, her sons served beside him. Two were dead before the morning's service was over.

PriesthoodTribesNadavAvihuAaronTabernacleStrange FireShemini
Parshat Shemini 6 min

The Day Fire Fell From Heaven on the Eighth Day

For seven days Moses assembled the Tabernacle and dismantled it again with no sign from God. Aaron froze at the altar on the eighth day before he could begin.

TabernacleAaronPriesthoodSheminiTorah
Parshat Shemini 6 min

Aaron Tended the Fire That Came Down and Never Left

On the eighth day of the Tabernacle's dedication, fire fell from heaven and did not go back. It consumed offerings and sons with equal precision.

FireTempleAaronTabernacleCohanimNadavAbihuPirkei Derabbi Eliezer
Parshat Shemini 7 min

Nadab and Abihu Tried to Live on the Sight of God Alone

Aaron's two eldest sons reasoned that if Moses lived on the sight of God alone, they could feast their eyes and skip the body too.

Nadab And AbihuAaronShekhinahStrange FireMidrash TanchumaRabbi EliezerTabernacle
Parshat Shemini 5 min

Aaron's Silence After the Fire Took His Sons

On the day the Mishkan opened, fire consumed Nadav and Avihu. Moses spoke of Sinai, rumors were sealed, and Aaron answered with silence.

PriesthoodDeathAaronNadavAvihuGriefShemini
Parshat Shemini 5 min

Aaron Carried Ten Crowns Into His Darkest Morning

Aaron entered the Mishkan's first public morning with ten crowns on the day, while seven hidden days of mourning closed around his house.

TempleDeathAaronTabernacleNisanNadabAbihu
Parshat Shemini 5 min

The Eighth Day When the Shechinah Waited for Aaron

For seven days Moses served alone and the sky stayed empty. On the eighth morning Aaron stepped to the altar, and the Glory finally came down.

SifraLeviticusAaronShechinahPriesthoodDivine PresenceMosesAtonement
Parshat Shemini 5 min

When Fire Hallowed the Mishkan and Aaron Stood Silent

On the eighth day Moses called Aaron to the altar as his equal, then fire took Aaron's sons, and Aaron answered the loss with silence.

SifraLeviticusAaronPriesthoodMosesMishkanSacrificeSilence
Parshat Shemini 5 min

God Killed One Leviathan and Salted It for the Last Feast

God made two Leviathans on the fifth day, killed the female before they could breed, and salted her flesh for a feast at the end of days.

LeviathanCreationMonstersMessianicMidrash