Parasha Shemini
Leviticus (Vayikra) Chapters 9-11
26 Nissan 5764
April 16-17, 2003

The question of how to react to tragedy is a challenging one for both those who receive bad news and those who wish to comfort someone who is the victim of tragic events. It is often challenging for the recipient of bad news because of a number of factors. Sometimes, one feels compelled to "put on a good face" or perhaps the magnitude of the events is so great as to be unreal. Most of us have little preparaton for dealing with the emotions associated with having someone dear to us die or fall seriously ill, even when such events are not a total surprise. There is only so much we can do to prepare, the moment is still shattering.

It is equally difficult for those who wish to offer some kind words to a friend who might be in need of comfort. How difficult it is to say the right thing. How often we find ourselves offering pat responses or banalities because, after all, what can one say? Again, the magnitude of the moment is often beyond response, and it is often what we do or how we speak to those in pain that is more important than the words themselves.

In this week's parasha, Aaron experiences the sudden death of two of his sons. They are smote because they offered "alien fire" to God. What exactly this means or why God chose to make examples of these two men is not clear from the text and has been the subject of rabbinic speculation over the centuries. Try as the commentators might to make sense of their death, the incident on its face makes no sense, just like so many tragic situations we face in our own lives.

Moses attempts to comfort Aaron with words that amount to saying that it was God's will and that God's will is inscrutable. I recognize the attempts of many people over the years, including myself, to bring comfort to others with some variation of this reasoning. I must confess that rarely do I find such a response to be really adequate to the moment and I sense Moses' discomfort with this response as well. My guess is that Moses, like the rest of us, was stumped for something truly comforting and meaningful to say to his brother in the face of such a horrible tragedy.

Perhaps Aaron's reaction is the most informative of all. In a unique statement for Torah, the text states that "and Aaron was silent." The reason for Aaron's silence is not stated and it also has been the source of much speculation. Perhaps he is merely accepting of God's will. Perhaps he is simply too distraught to speak or feared the consequences of speaking the anger that he truly felt? Maybe Aaron just we too overwhelmed to feel anything just then. Whatever the reason may be, Aaron met the moment with silence.

As we travel through life together as individuals and as a congregation, we will be confronted with moments of grief and sadness; challenge and fear. Let us understand the power and the wisdom of silence in the face of that which is beyond reason and comprehension. May we also come to realize the power of presence, that what we say is less meaningful than the fact that we are truly present and concerned for another in pain. For in it our presence for one another that can bring the Divine Presence to those who are in need of comfort and peace.

Rabbi Alan Freedman

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ADULT EDUCATION

Rabbi's Lunch Time Seminars

Please mark your calendar for the monthly lunch time seminars with the Rabbi: Second Wednesday of each month 12 Noon to 1:30PM at JCAA in the RabbiÆs office. The seminars are open to the community

Contact Ira Goodman by email or call 418-1905 for more information.

April 14 - Martin Buber

In this session, we will briefly explore the principals behind the work of this highly influential 20th century Jewish philosopher and activist. Buber concept of religion as relationships forms the basis for many of our theories about the role of religion in daily life today.

May- 12 -Shavuoth: The Unknown Festival

Of all of the Pilgrimage Festivals, Shavuoth is the least known and practiced. Come explore the history and traditions of this most interesting festival along with its opportunities for a fun a meaningful observance.

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