Voices for WRJ: Parashat Sh’mini

by Ellen A. Pollack This week’s parashah (Sh’mini, Leviticus 9:1-11:47) describes the ritual on the day after Aaron’s ordination ceremony, the story of the fire from God that kills Nadab and Abihu, Aaron’s oldest sons, and concludes with dietary laws. A month ago, my sisterhood celebrated our Centennial Shabbat. On that Saturday morning, we honored our Unsung Heroine. We were not sure if she would be attending the service as her dear husband is in hospice. She did attend and as she accepted our gift of our WRJ book Covenant of the Generations and a Chai certificate, she gave us all a gift. Sheila reminded us that each day is special, unique, and only comes once. She entreated us to embrace our loved ones often and embrace each other. Aaron did not know that his dear sons would be taken from him so suddenly. They had displeased God with their alien fire sacrifice. Aaron was told by Moses that he could not grieve with his family for concern that Aaron also might displease God. What was Aaron feeling in those moments when his children died? In “The Torah: A Women’s Commentary” on page 635, Robin Fox writes in part: For the Last Time How do you know when it’s the last time? The last time to ask “How are you? How was your day?” The last time to say “I love you. Good night…sweet dreams.” We all lead such busy lives that we often do not think of embracing each other with kind words, an embrace or a smile. This is a gift we can give to others but more importantly it is a gift we can give ourselves by performing this simple act. As we, members of Women of Reform Judaism, look to our past and our future, let us all keep close to our hearts the very important act of embracing our families, our friends, and our sisters. Ellen A. Pollack is a WRJ Board Member and member of Temple Ahavat Shalom in Northridge, CA.