Recap for 26 Nissan 5773

This Shabbos we discussed the week’s parsha.  After 7 days, the Jews were still waiting for the divine presence in the temple.  Nadav and Avihu, 2 sons of Aeron decided to act on their own and no longer follow the direction of their leaders.  They started offering sacrifices that were not necessary or asked for.  At some point, a fire came down and engulfed Nadav and Avihu and they both ended up dying.

We discussed the lessons of this, that sometimes we have to surrender to a leader or to some outside force no matter how sure we are that we are stronger, smarter or better, especially when that leader or outside force is directly connected to Hashem.  Otherwise everyone will be making their own decisions and there will be total disorganization no matter how smart everyone is. Yaki  talked about how Hashem had no choice but to take the lives of Aeron’s sons, or the Jews would not have learned the lesson to follow their leaders.

Only Hashem has the complete picture and has knowledge of everything, regardless of what our egos tell us.   That is why we must follow the directives of Hashem, and those leaders who are in contact with him.   Moses and Aaron were following the specific directives of Hashem, while Nadav and Avihu were out on their own.  Nadav and Avihu had good intentions, but they were trying to control that which was not there's to control.

This Shabbos we continued our discussion of the 49 day period between Pesach and Shavous that makes up the Omer.  This is the period of time after the Jews were free from Egypt, but were not yet ready to receive the Torah.  Through-out history, the Jews have experienced tragedies during this time period.  Most noteworthy, is the death of Rabbi Akiba’s students.  Ashkenazi Jews also experienced the pograms during this time period.   

It is customary to observe a 33 day mourning period within these 49 days, as there are 33 non-simcha days within the 49.  The custom is to observe either the first 33 days, or the last 33 days of the Omer.  Different communities and different families may observe different days.  Regardless, Lag B Omer is one day that is a great celebration and is not to be a day of mourning.

During the days of mourning we generally want to refrain from hair-cuts, shaving, dancing, festivities, and listening to live music, however there are exceptions.  If we make a living playing live music, then it is allowed.  If we are invited to a Bar Mitzvah from someone who is not observing the day, then we do go ahead and attend and partake of the festivities.  And mitzvahs, such as Brit Milah would certainly override any customs we have during this time period.

This is a summary of what we discussed this Shabbos.  No Halachic rulings are intended or should be inferred.