The Art of Sacred Equilibrium

Exploring the Parashah, Haftarah, and Their Timeless Life Lesson

It was the long anticipated day, the day of the inauguration of the Mishkan, Rosh Chodesh Nissan. Moshe instructs Aharon to offer a calf for a Chatas and a ram for an Oleh. Initially, Aharon hesitated to bring the first Korban, as he felt guilt for his involvement in the Eigel HaZahav. However, Moshe encouraged Aharon by assuring him that Hashem had forgiven him and that he was the one chosen for this important task.

Aharon and his sons proceeded to bring the Korbanos as Moshe instructed. The Parashah recounts that after offering the Oleh, a fire from Hashem descended and consumed the Korban.

Nadav and Avihu, two of Aharon's sons who were known for their purity and holiness, decided to offer the Ketores. Though their intentions were pure, it went beyond Moshe's instructions. In response, a fire from Hashem once again descended, consuming them, resulting in their untimely deaths.

Why were they punished so severely, after all they were seemingly going the extra mile for Hashem?

In the Haf…