Parashat Shemini
Parashas Shemini is the third parsha in the Book of Vayikra. It contains 91 pesukim. For the Haftora, a section King Dovid's bringing of the Aron is read.
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Eighth Inauguration Day
The eighth inauguration day took place on Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Moshe instructed Aharon in the presents of the elders to sacrifice that day a personal Kurban Olah and Chatas, Chatas, two Olas, two Shilamim and a Mincha for the Nation.
Aharon's Sacrifices
Moshe commands Aharon to offer his sacrifices. Aharon brings a calf for a Chatas, slaughters it, throws the blood, sacrifices its parts and then burns its remainders. He then brings a ram for an Olah, which he slaughters, throws its blood and then sacrifices it.
Public Sacrifices
Aharon offers the public sacrifices; the Chatas, Olah, Mincha and Shilamim.
Priestly Blessing
Aharon blesses the Jews with the Birchat Kohanim. Moshe and Aharon then bless the Nation.
Heavenly Fire
A heavenly fire descends onto the Mizbeach and the Jews fall on their faces, giving praise.
Other Sacrifices
Aside from the sacrifices of Aharon and the Nation, the daily Korban Tomid was offered, as well as the Rosh Chodes goat offering. Additionally it was the first day of the Korban Nasim and Nachshon ben Aminadav brought his offering.
Death of Nadav and Avihu
Nadav and Avihu offer a self-decided Ketoret incense and their souls are burnt. Moshe tells Aharon this incident was foretold by Hashem and he accepts and accepts the ruling with love. Moshe commands Elazar and Itamar to remove the bodies of their brothers and then refrain from any mourning.
Prohibition of Drunkenness in Temple
Hashem speaks directly to Aharon revealing to him the prohibition of drinking before performing services in the Beit Hamikdash or Mishkan as well as before issuing a ruling. Ahron merited this personal prophecy as a reward for accepting the death of his children with silence and love.
Burnt Rosh Chodesh Goat
Aharon and his two remaining sons eat the Mincha and the meat of the Shilamim offering but not the Rosh Chodesh goat offering. Instead they take this out to be burnt due to their state of 'Aninus' for Nadav and Avihu. Moshe becomes upset by this until Aharon explains the logic of their actions was based on the additional holiness of the Korban Rosh Chodesh that was commanded for all generations as opposed to the one time inaugurational sacrifices.
Kosher Animals
It is a Mitzva to understand the differences between the permitted and the forbidden and this is how the Jews sanctify themselves.
Mammals
Signs of a kosher animal
- Split hooves - Hooves of the animal are split reaching the bottom of its leg.
- Chews its cud - Animal swallows food then regurgitates it and chews it once again.
Non kosher land animals include; camels, rabbits, hares, and pigs.
Fish
Signs of kosher fish are fins and scales.
Birds
Torah lists 24 non-kosher bird species basically all predatory and scavenger birds. These include; eagles...
Locust
They have four signs; for legs, thighs, additional pair of smaller legs in front of body, four wings that cover most of the body. The following species of locust are kosher for eating; Arbeh, Salam, Chargol and Chagav.
Shiratzim
The following Shiratzim are forbidden to eat; mouse, turtle.... Shiratzim that creep on their stomach or with four or more legs are forbidden to be eaten.
Laws of Purity
Carcasses of impure animal impurify a person who touches or carries them until sunset, assuming he immerses in a Mikva before then. Clothing of an impure person also turn impure and require immersion.
Carcasses of pure animals impurify a person and his clothing until he sundown after having immersed in the mikva, through eating, touching or carrying
Carcasses can also impurify vessels including ovens and the food inside them. Vessels or garments created from leather or wood can be purified through immersion in the mikva. Potery can not be purified and once impure must be broken.
Streams and Mikvas can never become impure but a person sitting in them who touches a carcass, can.
Anything atached to the ground can not become impure until it is detached and becomes wet with the consent of the owner.