Balancing Practical and Spiritual

In Parshat Shemini, we read of the sin of Nadav and Avihu on the day of the dedication of the Mishkan. The day that should have been so joyous, was met with tragedy.

There are many opinions as to what exactly did these two sons of Aharon do to deserve to be punished so severely. Some say that they did Temple service while intoxicated. Others felt that they did not want to marry and have children. While others felt that they were disrespectful of Moshe and Aharon, and were hoping to replace them.

The Orach Chaim makes a very accurate and relevant observation. Nadav and Avihu were on a very high spiritual level. Their enthusiasm took them to a place they should not have gone. In their great zeal, they wished to experience a special closeness to Hashem. They thought that their lofty intentions could override the specific commandment of not entering the Holy of Holies, with a strange. In a way, they believed that the ends justified the means.

There needed to be a clear message given on the day when Temple service officially began. Aharon was told that Hashem’s name was sanctified by those who were closest to him, (בקרובי אקדש).

One cannot serve Hashem strictly on the basis of emotion, and the desire to “feel” spirituality. There needed to be a balance between this lofty ideal of seeking holiness, while not overlooking the practical need to follow the laws down to their last detail.

The desire for spirituality does not override the obligation to follow the rules. And following the rules alone, is not enough. As the Messilat Yesharim says, the Mitzvot are the means towards achieving the ultimate goal of להתענג על ה׳, “delighting with Hashem.”

Perhaps Nadav and Avihu received a more serious punishment than their actions. But it was necessary to make an example of them for future generations. There would be those who would feel that it’s enough to be spiritual and the Halachic details were not that important.

And there would be others who only followed the strict letter of the law as an end in itself, without seeking to “know G-d.” We must understand what Nadav and Avihu did not. The guidelines of the Messilat Yesharim is the path we must take. Observing the Halacha is essential as it will bring us to the goal of experiencing Hashem on the highest level. This appears to be the main reason for the punishment of Nadav and Avihu.