Shmini

A question is raised in the Mishna, “Who is wise?”  Ben Zoma answered in Pirkay Avot, “The one who leans from every person.” (4:1) However, in the Talmud the same question gets a different response,  “The one who sees what will be born.”  (Tamid 32a).  In other words, the outcome of their actions.

 

It is the second answer is quoted by the Ishbitzer Rebbe regarding this week’s Torah portion, Shmini.  He supplies this response because of what happens at the beginning of the parasha.  A strange fire brought to the altar of God consumes the two sons of Aaron, Nadav and Avihu.  They die in a conflagration.  

 

The Rebbe goes on to explain that it is not enough to act but we must think  first, for sometimes we are doing something wrong for what we believe is the right purpose.  A person’s intent should always be doing what is good and right, not placing one’s own ego or cleverness above what is correct.  

 

I have little doubt that the two sons of Aaron we trying their best to produce a sacrifice worthy of their sage father. Yet, in the process of making the offering they did not question their own intentions before acting.  Had they thought, considered and reflected before acting they would have realized the inherent wrongness -- and potential consequences -- of their action.

 

The same is true for us.  We must consider the feelings of others before speaking; weigh our actions and their potential outcome before initiating them.  Lives may depend on what we say or how we behave as with Nadav and Avihu.  

 

In this way we reach the apex of wisdom…just by thinking first.  Acting later.