This week's portion describes the deaths of Nadav and Aviv, two of the sons of the High Priest, Aaron, who were killed when they brought "strange fire" to the Altar -- not out of sin, but piety.
The additional reading, from 2 Samuel 6:1-19, tells the story of Uzzah (a name related to Uzziah, the name of Aaron's uncle), who died when he reached out his hand to steady the Ark in transit.
In both cases, people who wanted to do something positive were punished with the ultimate penalty. This is a difficult concept to understand, or to explain, but it is part of the nature of divinity.
Similarly, the laws about which birds may be eaten and which may not -- which are also covered in this portion -- are to some extent irrational. Holiness requires accepting things that are beyond reason.
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
SiriusXM Patriot 125, 7-10 p.m. ET (4-7 PT)
This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
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