Sh'mini

שְׁמִינִי
The Eighth [Day]

Leviticus 9:1-11:47

When Is Sh'mini Read?

/ 27 Adar II 5784
/ 28 Nisan 5785
/ 24 Nisan 5786

Summary

  • Aaron and his sons follow Moses' instructions and offer sacrifices so that God will forgive the people. (9:1-24)
  • Two of Aaron's sons, Nadab and Abihu, offer "alien fire" to God. God punishes these two priests by killing them immediately. (10:1-3)
  • God forbids Moses, Aaron, and his surviving sons from mourning but commands the rest of the people to do so. Priests are told not to drink alcohol before entering the sacred Tabernacle and are further instructed about making sacrifices. (10:4-20)
  • Laws are given to distinguish between pure and impure animals, birds, fish, and insects. (11:1-47)

Ten Minutes of Torah: Sh'mini Commentary

Reimagining Reform Kashrut through Sh’mini

By: Cantor David Fair

Sh'mini offers us an opportunity to use discernment. Informed choices are the bedrock of our movement. It's a sacred task to study Torah while respecting its historicity. Can you find relevancy in these ancient words and connect them to our modern lives? This is our holy struggle - and struggling with God is very Jewish.

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Video: Learn About Parashat Sh'mini with BimBam

Sh'mini: The Kosher Animal Song

Parsha Sh'mini is best known for the Jewish dietary laws of kashrut, or keeping kosher. Naturally, we turned that into a bluegrass song! Enjoy this video and others from BimBam.

Listen to Podcasts About Parashat Sh'mini