Shemini: risk

 

Shemini: Risk

The inauguration of the Tabernacle and the priests is nearly complete. The drama of the debut is near the climax. Aaron and his four sons are close to graduation into their roles as priests of the sacrificial service. Nadav and Avihu , the two eldest sons of Aaron, perform an unsolicited service. They enter the dark sacred space with a fire of their own making. Nadav and Avihu are struck dead.

The haftorah points to the centrality of this story by relating a similar narrative. King David ordered the  tablets from Sinai in the gold plated, Cherub decorated, ark moved to Jerusalem – his new capitol city. The ark had been in the house of Abinanab (since its rescue from the Philistines). Abinadab   had two sons: Uzzah and Achio. These were people more familiar than most with the ark and its power. When the oxen stumbled, Uzzah reached out to the ark and was struck dead for his action. Certainly, Uzzah knew the story of Nadav and Avihu; he knew that unsanctioned interaction with the ark was dangerous – possibly lethal. But Uzzah was just trying to help! He was not trying something new.  David recognizes the risk associated with transporting the ark and lets it reside for a time in the home of Oved Edom ( the servant of Edom [ Esau]) before bringing it to Jerusalem ( to consolidate his new capitol? To invest his rule with the imprimatur of the Sinai covenant?)

The lethal danger associated with the ark is entangled in its sanctity.  The Holy is dangerous and the more holy, the more dangerous [politically as well as physically]. These stories deter the curious from invading the sacred space. They help justify some of the rewards of priesthood as danger pay. The risk adds to the status of the rite.

The health consequences of violating the sacred expand into sanctifying essential, core, activities like eating. The list of permissible and forbidden animals that follows is reinforced by the antecedent story of violation and death. Are there health consequences to eating Kosher? Do you dare test the rules when a violation may kill you?

Adventure has become the spice of life. A near death experience is a story that can be retold. The thrill of roller coasters, skydiving, exploration are commercial ventures because of their wide appeal. The pleasure of novelty is among the most precious.

The interpretation of the text is more altered in the context of our age of explanations. Much has been gained by answering the questions: Why and Why not. In our world a warning based upon authority has a strong element of challenge.  

It has become increasingly difficult to estimate appropriate caution. Marie Curie should have been more careful with radium and X rays [ she died of myelodysplasia that probably resulted from her excessive exposure to these toxic (non-kosher) energies.  Freon is a miraculous propellant and refrigerant that destroys ozone.  It has been sanctified and sanctioned. The  circles of dangerous, rule bound substances and energies expands with the scope of science. Nothing is sacred. 

Sometimes just following the rules is enough. When you explore, be very careful; caution may not be enough. Trying to help may not suffice to justify breaking the rules.