Parashat Shemini
by Rabbi Michael Pitkowsky
This week’s parashah begins with Moses’s instructions to Aaron, his sons, and the elders of Israel:
On the eighth day Moses called Aaron and his sons, and the elders of Israel. He said to Aaron: “Take a calf of the herd for a sin offering and a ram for a burnt offering, without blemish, and bring them before the LORD…” (Leviticus 9:1-2)
Much of the parashah consists of instructions regarding the sacrifices and other regulations regarding dietary restrictions. Near the beginning of the parashah Moses relayed the following instructions to the Children of Israel. “Moses said: “This is what the LORD has commanded that you do, that the Presence of the LORD may appear to you.” (Leviticus 9:6)
The midrash Yalkut Shimoni (13-14th century) brings the following interpretation (par. 521):
Moses said to Israel: Remove that [evil] urge from your hearts in order that you all be of one feeling of awe and Read More >