Shemini

On the eighth day, the priests begin the service. A fire sparks and the Divine Presence is at home. The Temple is the nucleus of existence; as with all nuclear levels, one must be humble. Nadav and Avihu, Aaron’s two eldest sons, walk into the holy nucleus and do not walk out. The holy nucleus must walk into you before you walk into it. Aaron grieves in deafening silence. When it comes to the offerings, Aaron is the expert and Moses acquiesces. After understanding the humbling power we hold in our hands, here are the Laws of Kosher: chewing cuds and split hoofs for animals, fins and scales for fish, heritage for birds and insects. Clarity bathes us, allowing for the differentiation between the pure and impure.