Many of our sages have discussed how we face loss and tragedy in our personal and communal life.
This week’s Parshat Shmini contains a horrific incident that introduces this subject. It is the story of Nadav and Avihu, two sons of Aaron, who seize an opportunity to enter the newly constructed Mishkan, come before the altar and present “alien” fire before God. We sense that they were inspired, excited and overly fired up with the dedication of the Mishkan and their special role in the sacrificial cult. They also, as we learn, were intoxicated. God, not pleased at all, sends a fire and consumes them! Let it be noted that their bodies and robes are not consumed. One might say they burned up from within. Their souls were consumed.
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