Shabbat M’vorkhim: this Shabbat we bless the upcoming new moon of Nissan

The Priestly code described in Leviticus enjoins us to create meaning by making distinctions.  Embedded in this worldview is the differentiation between two states of being: tahorah and tumah.   Let us leave behind the inadequate translations of “pure/clean” and “impure/unclean” which makes tumah into a lesser, more undesirable state than tahorah.  [1] 

Being “tahor” implies a state of outward focus and full participation in community - in the Levitical mythos, this would be a time of participating in the sacrificial system.  The state of tahorah is one of full shining presence, a time of giving and of pouring out regard.  It is the outward-focused energy of the right side of the Tree of Life.

Being “tamei” is a time of retreat and inward focus, of withdrawal from the responsibilities of communal life.  In ancient times, we might go outside the camp or stay in our tent.  It is a period of potential regeneration and recovery.  Examples of times of tumah are following childbirth, during menstruation, during acute illness, or close upon the experience of death or sickness.  Perhaps this practice of retreat honors our periodic need for isolation and recharge.  This is the inward-focused energy of the left side of the Tree of Life.

In our current world, without restrictions imposed by a behavioral code such as that in Leviticus, Tazria asks us to acknowledge our differing holistic states of emotion-mind-body-spirit despite the demands of external culture.  How often have we become stressed and ill by pushing ahead with our busy lives, ignoring the very real needs we have for times of quiet inner focus?

With blessing that we co-create a world of heart wisdom that has the flexibility to recognize and honor both our times of tumah and tahorah,
Rabbi SaraLeya
23 Adar2 5771
March 29, 2011

[1] I am indebted for these ideas to discussions that have occurred over the past 10 years in Jewish Renewal circles which have helped plumb new depths of understanding about these ancient concepts.

Our weekly reading tells the disturbing story  (9:24-10:3) of two enthusiastic young priests, Nadav and Avihu, the oldest sons of Aaron, the High Priest.  Having just witnessed the miracle of Divine fire consuming the offering on the altar, they ran into the Sanctuary with their own spontaneous offerings, albeit ones that were not specifically requested. They were consequently consumed by the Divine fire and died.

What was their mistake?  A possibility noted by the Sages, that resonated for me as we read the stories of building the Tabernacle a few weeks ago, was that Nadav and Avihu did not stop to do the spiritual preparation of washing their hands and feet before running in with their offerings.  Approaching the Holy is not to be taken lightly and we must consciously prepare ourselves to be the empty vessel that can make our offering without the interference of ego or self-interest.

Perhaps their being taken by the fire was actually a sign of their chosenness.  In the Rabbis’ interpretative commentary (midrash) cited by Rashi, Moses actually said to Aaron, “I thought you or I would be chosen to sanctify the Tabernacle, but now we see that they were greater than either of us!”  From the perspective of those of us who remain in body mourning their death, their momentary ecstasy extracted a very high price; we can never know Nadav and Avihu’s experience.

This story is, for me, the fulcrum of the entire book of Leviticus which is dedicated to explaining the distinctions that, with discernment and intention, can bring sacredness and meaning into our lives.  We just experienced the full moon holiday of Purim when the spiritual work is to reach a point of intoxication with Essence that we understand that good and evil are two faces of the One Reality.  Now, paradoxically, we are again immersed in Leviticus which insists that it is making choices between holy –ordinary, pure-impure or inside-outside that brings richness and purpose to our living. 

This musing is for no reason other than to help us to prepare, during the next 4 weeks, for the liberation and cleansing that will come with the next full moon at Passover. 

With blessing that the wise heart we share will help us discern our place in this challenging path,

Rabbi SaraLeya
March 21, 2011
16 Adar2 5771