Date: 23 Nisan 5785 / 21.4.25

Parsha: Shemini: Leviticus 9:1-16

Shemini – Leviticus 9:1–16: What’s It All About?

Shemini means "eighth" in Hebrew. This section of the Torah tells us about what happened on the eighth day after the priests (Aaron and his sons) finished seven days of training. This was a very special day, because it was the first time Aaron and his sons acted as priests in front of all the people!

What happens in the story?

• Moses tells Aaron, “Today is the day you begin your work as a Kohen (priest).”
• God gave very specific instructions about which animals to bring for sacrifices. These offerings were a way for the people to connect with God, say thank you, and say sorry for any wrong choices.
• Aaron brings:
  • A calf for his own sin offering.
  • A ram for a burnt offering to show love and respect to God.
• Then he brings more animals for the whole community, doing everything just as God told him.

Aaron stands in front of the people and leads them in this big moment. It was a very exciting and serious time—this was the beginning of a new way to worship God in the holy Mishkan (Tabernacle).

Why is this important?

This moment was the first time the priests did their job. Everyone was watching, and it showed how much trust Moses and God had in Aaron. It also showed that Aaron took his new job very seriously.

What can we learn from this?

🟡 Take responsibility seriously
Aaron was trusted with a very big job. He showed that when we are given an important job—whether it’s leading a prayer, helping at home, or being kind at school—we should do our best and take it seriously.

🟢 Mistakes don’t make us bad
Aaron brought an offering for his own mistakes. This reminds us that everyone messes up sometimes—even leaders. What matters most is that we try to make things right and learn from our mistakes.

🔵 God gives everyone a second chance
This story reminds us that God is forgiving and loving. If we try hard and say sorry, we are always given another chance to do better.

🟣 Teamwork is powerful
Moses, Aaron, and the people worked together. When we help each other and listen carefully, great things can happen.

🟠 Worship and respect
The offerings weren’t just about saying sorry—they were also about showing love and respect to God. It teaches us that it’s important to be grateful and to show respect, not just to God, but to others around us too.

Final Thought

This part of the Torah reminds us that beginnings can be exciting, a little scary, and very important. Just like Aaron did his best to lead the people, we can do our best in the roles we have—whether that’s being a good friend, student, or sibling. Every day is a new chance to do something great!

Thought of Rabbi Sacks

In Parshat Shemini, something very sad happens. Aaron’s two sons, Nadav and Avihu, bring a fire offering to God that God didn’t ask for. Right away, a fire comes from heaven and they die. It’s a hard part of the story, and it makes us wonder: Why did this happen?

Rabbi Sacks explains this in a gentle way:

1. Following Instructions is Important

Rabbi Sacks says that Nadav and Avihu were trying to do something special, but they didn’t follow the rules. Even when we want to do something good, we must do it in the right way.

🟡 Key idea: Good intentions matter, but it’s also important to listen carefully and follow the right path.

2. Leadership Comes with Responsibility

Aaron was becoming the first Kohen Gadol (High Priest). That’s a big job! Rabbi Sacks says that when you’re a leader, people watch what you do, so you have to be extra careful. Aaron showed us how to stay calm and strong, even when something really sad happened.

🔵 Key idea: Being a leader means being careful and responsible—not just for yourself, but for others too.

3. Learning From Sad Moments

Rabbi Sacks often taught that even in the saddest parts of the Torah, there are lessons that help us grow. Shemini teaches us to always ask:

What does God want from me?

How can I do what’s right in a thoughtful, respectful way?

🟢 Key idea: Every mistake or sad moment can help us learn and become better people.

✨ Rabbi Sacks’ Takeaway Message for Children:

“Even when we want to do something for God, or help others, we must think carefully, ask questions, and follow the right way. God doesn’t just want our hearts—He wants our minds, too.”

Around the Shabbat Table

🟠 Question 1:

Why do you think Nadav and Avihu made a mistake, even though they were trying to do something for God?

Answer:

They wanted to show their love for God, but they didn’t follow the instructions. Sometimes, even when we mean well, we have to stop and ask: “Is this the right way?” It's a reminder that good intentions need to be guided by wisdom and rules.

🔵 Question 2:

What can we learn from Aaron’s reaction when his sons died?

Answer:

Aaron stayed silent. He was very sad, but he didn’t get angry or blame anyone. This shows great strength and trust in God. Sometimes, when something hard happens, staying calm and thoughtful helps us find strength and understanding.

🟢 Question 3:

Why is it important to follow instructions when doing something important, like a mitzvah or a job at school?

Answer:

Following instructions helps things go safely and smoothly. It shows respect to the people who gave us the task, and it helps us do our best. Just like in the parsha, even a good deed needs to be done in the right way.

Parsha summary adapted from Chabad.org and Rabbi Sacks Legacy

The weekly mitzvot are adapted from the PAJES Primary Parashat Hashavua Curriculum, and form the basis of the school's PSHE curriculum for all pupils alongside the Torah, Well Being and Me curriculum.