April 5, 2024 · ד״פשת ז"כ רדא 'ב
A PEEK AT THE PARSHA
Parshat Shmini begins with the story of the Chanukat Hamishkan: the inauguration of the Mishkan, the central place of worship for Bnei Yisrael. Aharon and his sons, newly appointed as Kohanim, begin their holy duties by offering korbanot (sacrifices) on behalf of the people. Sadly, during this celebration, tragedy strikes when Aharon's sons, Nadav and Avihu, offer a korban that was not permitted and they die as a result. Upon hearing the terrible news from Moshe, Aharon was silent, and Hashem rewarded him for that reaction.
ONE BIG IDEA
When discussing non-kosher birds, the Torah lists the Chasidah. Rashi explains that it is named that because it does acts of chessed (kindness) with its species by sharing its food. If this is a compassionate bird, then why would it not be kosher? The answer is that it limits its kindness to its own kind and not to other species. While the chasidah practices selflessness, it also practices selfishness. That’s not a Jewish value and it might be the reason that it isn’t kosher.
Shemini/Hachodesh · שדוחה\ינימש
Following this sad incident, the parsha discusses the laws of Kashrut for animals, fish, and birds. Kosher animals require two signs: their foot needs to be split in two (referred to as a split hoof) and they need to chew their cud, which means after swallowing their food, it comes back into their mouth and they eat it again (seriously). Fish also need two signs: fins and scales. Birds of prey such as eagles, falcons or vultures are not Kosher.
The remainder of the parsha discusses rules of Tum’ah (impurity) and Tahara (purity). One can become tameh in various ways such as through touching or eating non-kosher animals. The Torah then discusses ways of purifying oneself using a Mikvah. A Mikvah is a natural body of water such as an ocean, a spring, or a collection of rainwater.
Several times, the parsha discusses the importance of being like Hashem.Just as Hashem is holy, so too you should try your best to live a holy life.
TIMES - םינמז
Candle-lighting: 7:07pm
Havdalah: 8:04pm
allah: 5:25pm
PARSHA STATS DID YOU KNOW…?
Mitzvot ..............................17 (6 Do’s, 11 Don’ts)
Lines in the Torah ..............157 (42nd most)
Pesukim .............................91 (41st most)
Words ................................1238 (41st most)
Letters................................4670 (41st most)
Year(s)................................2449
(Source: OU Torah Tidbits)
A giraffe is a kosher animal, but it’s not generally found at your local kosher store or kosher restaurant. Many people think that because the neck is so long, we don’t know where to do Shechitah (thekosher wayto kill an animal). Did you know that that’s a myth and that the proper area on the giraffe’s neck is huge? Most likely, we don’t eat giraffes for the same reason that non-Jews don’t eat giraffes. It would cost a fortune and it’s not worth it.
CHECKLIST
To be filled out after shabbat and brought in Monday.
Called someone to wish them a “Shabbat Shalom”
Went to shul
Participated in Hadlakat Nerot/Kiddush/ Hamotzi/Birkat Hamazon
Sang zemirot/songs
Wore Shabbat clothing
Helped prepare our home for Shabbat
Full Name:
Class:
Parent Signature: _________________________
QUESTIONS
1. True or False: We don’t eat giraffes because we can’t find the right place to do Shechitah.
2. Thought question: If your friend shared everything they had with you but with no one else, would you consider that person kind? Why or why not?
3. Is Parshat Shemini one of the longest parshiot or one of the shortest? Hint: there are 54 parshiot in the Torah.
4. What are the 2 signs that an animal is kosher?
5. What are the 2 signs that a fish is kosher?