Parshah Shemini

This week’s Torah portion, Shemini, which means “eighth” refers to the “eighth day that Moses called Aaron, and his sons, and the elders of Israel” and told them to take a sin offering. (Leviticus 9:1–11:47)  This 8th day, followed the 7 days of the inauguration of the Tabernacle, the High Priest (Aaron), and his sons.  This day begins active services in the Mishkan when G-d sends forth a consuming fire to ignite the offerings on the altar, as the Shekhinah (divine presence of G-d) inhabits the Tabernacle.

This celebration is interrupted when Aaron’s sons, Nadav and Avihu, die after offering a “strange fire before G-d, which He commanded them not”.  G‑d commands the laws of kashrut, ritual purity, immersing in the mikvah, and how we are to “differentiate between the impure and the pure.”

1. Why does the Torah direct our attention to “the 8th day” regarding the ending of the inauguration of the Tabernacle and High Priests?

2. Does the “eighth day” have anything to do with one’s ability to experience the Shekhinah (Spirit of G-d) in the Tabernacle?

3. Does any of this apply to our Spiritual walk in 2026?

4. Come find out and join the discussion!