This is a pivotal parasha in the book of Vayikra.Its underlying theme is the exploration of the boundaries between the ordinary and the holy, the prescribed and the dangerous, the usual and the supernatural.Sh’mini addresses the danger of the Holy, a concept that is somewhat foreign or unwelcome to us as we thirst for the ecstatic, for the immediate connection with the Divine.
In Torah study this week, we studied commentaries by the Kotzker Rebbe[1] and the Or HaHayim[2] who built their teachings on a much earlier midrash.They explored the requisite spiritual preparation for us to enter into the Holy, particularly the quality of תמימיותtemimiut - honesty, integrity, simplicity, completeness -a sense of wholeness of heart and intention without distraction from the negative inclination, that which pulls us out of the present moment relationship with the Divine or leads us to act in a way not in alignment with the Highest Good.This is the state described in the 1848 Shaker song[3] “‘’tis the gift to be simple...”.When we have achieved this state - even if momentarily - then the Divine Presence - kavod, shekhina -
[1]Wikipedia: Rabbi Menachem Mendel Morgensztern of Kotzk, better known as the Kotzker Rebbe (1787-1859) was a Hasidic leader. Born to a non-Hasidic family in Goraj near Lublin, Poland, he became attracted to Hasidim in his youth. He was known for having acquired impressive Talmudic and Kabbalistic knowledge at a young age. He was a student of the Rebbe Reb Bunim of Peshischa, and upon the latter's death attracted many of his followers. The Kotzker Rebbe is well known for his incisive and down-to-earth philosophies, and sharp-witted sayings. He appears to have had little patience for false piety or stupidity.
[2]Rabbi Chaim ben Attar (1696-1742) was born in Morocco, moved to Lovorno, Italy, where he briefly served as Rabbi before making Aliyah to the Holy Land, first settling in Acre, thence moving to Jerusalem. Or Hachayim is considered a classic commentary. The original text of this commentary is found in most editions of Mikraot Gedolot.
[3]'Tis the gift to be simple,'tis the gift to be free,'tis the gift to come down where you ought to be,And when we find ourselves in the place just right,It will be in the valley of love and delight.
Refrain:
When true simplicity is gained,To bow and to bend we shan't be ashamed.To turn, turn will be our delight,'Til by turning, turning we come round right
'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,And when we expect of others what we try to live each day,Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,
Refrain:
'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",And when we hear what others really think and really feel,Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.
