From the Desk of Rabbi Norm Roman | Beth Shalom Temple Center of Green Valley
This week’s Torah portion contains a most tragic and perplexing scene: Aaron’s two eldest sons, Nadav and Abihu, brought an unwelcome sacrifice (‘avodah zarah, often translated as “alien or strange fire”). They should have known better, no? After all, this occurred on the 8th full day of all the priests being consecrated and ordained! But the manner in which they approached the Altar was incorrect – fire came forth from God and consumed them. Aaron was warned not to mourn, as Moses explained “This is what the Divine words meant: ‘By those near Me I will be sanctified, and before all the people I will be honored.’”
I have been studying and agonizing over this story for decades. What exactly did the boys do wrong? Why is their punishment so extreme? What lessons can we learn from Aaron’s (total silence) and Moses’ reactions?
A classic explanation in our Rabbinic literature is that they were drunk (hence the Torah, immediately after this incident, forbids the priests to drink when they enter the Tabernacle). Another infers that they were childless, refusing to marry because no woman was “good enough for them,” and their conceit did them in. A third presumes that they felt it was time for the “older generation” to move aside, so that they could take over and institute new patterns of sacrifice. My personal favorite interpretation sees Nadav and Abihu as having convinced themselves that they were now well-enough-trained to perform the proper acts of worship – though they obviously were not – and they then made mistakes that brought them too close to that which was holy, and dangerous . . .
Rabbi Ralph Mecklenburger has added this insight: “Perhaps the lesson for our generation is that those who rise to high position have to be extra good, exemplary. For an ordinary priest, a mistake in following the sacrificial procedures might not have been so serious; from the heirs-apparent to the High Priest, more was expected – and the punishment was correspondingly more severe for falling short and thus abusing the public trust.”
Is the Torah teaching us here that more thoughtful, meaningful and proper behavior is demanded of those in high places?
Shabbat Shalom.
In the shadow of Shemini’s difficult lesson, we are reminded that leadership is not simply about stepping forward—it is about how we show up once we are there. Nadav and Abihu’s story challenges us to consider the weight of responsibility that comes with influence, trust, and participation in communal life. At the Tucson J, this awareness shapes our daily work: from staff to volunteers to lay leaders, we are called not only to serve, but to do so with intention and care. Whether nurturing curiosity in our youngest learners, uplifting creativity and expression, or fostering wellness and connection, each moment offers an opportunity to shape a community grounded in belonging and shared purpose.
As we moved through Passover, kids in our Early Childhood Education program continued learning and celebrating with a holiday classic: Matzah Pizza! They had a great time spreading the sauce, sprinkling the cheese, and enjoying their tasty creations. Save the recipefor next year, or finish up any leftover Matzah you still have at home!
We prepared for the last Fine Art Gallery show of the season before Camp J begins and the space makes way for kids! Don’t miss the opening reception of “Shards and Sparks: Fires of Creation” on April 16. The show is an exploration of transformation, fragmentation, and renewal through the elemental force of fire. Inspired by Lurianic Kabbalah’s mystical vision of shattered vessels and the cosmic sparks within, as well as the creation story of Parshat Bereshit, this exhibit brings together the fire paintings of local artist, Robert Feldman, alongside a juried selection of glassworks, capturing the tension between destruction and creation—where what is broken can be remade, and where light emerges from the fractures.
Spring sports leagues are wrapping before beginning again in May and the competition in week one of our Adult Volleyball playoffs was friendly but fierce! Sports + Rec programs at the J are a great way for people of all ages to way to work toward wellness goals, make friends, pursue an old passion, or try something new. Check out our offerings here! All skill levels are welcome.
Our community is made of up leaders, each of us contributing to our collective whole. As we reflect on the week, we invite you to consider how you showed up this week through small acts of care, thoughtful choices, and the intention to make a difference. Wishing you a restful and inspiring Shabbat.
Reminders, Resources + Learning
Each week we share resources for more learning:
This week’s resources:
- Fire: Holy and Unholy by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks
- Why Keep Kosher? by Rabbi Dr. Bradley Shavit Artson (My Jewish Learning)
Last week’s resources:
- The 13 Middot: God Is Ethical and So Are We by Rabbi Lance J. Sussman (Reform Judaism)
- Shevi’i Shel Pesah: Living at the Frontier by Rabbi Lauren Hederson (Jewish Theological Seminary)
- 10 Passover Customs from Around the World by Abby Seitz (My Jewish Learning)
Is there a topic you’d like to learn more about? Email Jenn Selco with requests.
