“Now Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu each took his fire pan, put fire in it, and laid incense on it; and they offered before the LORD alien fire, which He had not enjoined upon them. And fire came forth from the LORD and consumed them; thus they died at the instance of the LORD.” (Leviticus 10:1-2)
Reading this passage each year brings new meaning and understanding. Some years I feel angry at the two sons of Aaron for not doing as they were told. Some years, I am angry at God for the death of these two young, potential innovators of religious life. This year, in the face of the loss of so many, I just feel sad.
Death brings so many different emotions, anger, guilt, regret. The rabbis show the vast array in their commentaries. Sadness must not be overlooked, discarded or even minimized. This year, we have all lost and we all must take the time to grieve.
