Sh'mini
שְׁמִינִי
The Eighth [Day]
Leviticus 9:1-11:47
When Is Sh'mini Read?
/ 28 Nisan 5785
/ 24 Nisan 5786
/ 25 Adar II 5787
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)
More Sh'mini Commentaries
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
Listen to Rabbi Rick Jacobs discuss Parashat Sh'mini in these episodes of his podcast, On the Other Hand: Ten Minutes of Torah.
The Dangers and the Neccessity of Innovation
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Ten Minutes of Torah: Sh'mini Commentary
Drawing Too Close?
By: Rabbi Daniel Mikelberg
Often, we are unaware of and surprised by social norms - the "dos and don'ts." We simply conform, but it can be meaningful to reflect on these practices and potentially innovate with care. Aaron's sons, Nadav and Avihu, learn this lesson the hard way in Parashat Sh'mini.
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