Show Notes
In this week's parsha, Shemini, we focus on relationships. These include:
The relationship between Moshe and Aharon- which we learn was one of close and supportive brotherhood.
The relationship between God and Bnei Yisrael- which we see is positive, because God chooses to rest His Shechina upon the Mishkan, Tabernacle, and send fire down from heaven to consume the korbanot.
The relationship between God and his Kohanim, priests- which sometimes requires them to set their personal emotions aside in order to lead.
This is a parsha that focuses on joy and sadness, celebration and loss. Sometimes both of these emotions can take place on the same day- as they do here, with the loss of Nadav and Avihu. We spend time learning about why Nadav and Avihu died, and what we can learn from this episode.
May God's presence rest on the work of your hands!
More from Parsha for Kids
In the last parsha of the Torah, V'Zot HaBracha, Moshe dies. But what matters is not that he died- rather, the way he died. Moshe approached God alone. There were no adoring crowds. No family surrounding him. It was just the man and his Maker. And this is something that will happen to us all. We will all, ultimately, approach God. The question to be answered is simply this: have we lived a life that we are proud to show to God?
This week's parsha, Haazinu, is actually a song! Moshe wanted to make sure that the core ideas of Judaism would be accessible to everyone, whether or not they were able to read. In this song, we focus on some important ideas. These include: