It’s a fast-paced world, where information is abundant and opinions are often polarized, and the ability to discern truth from falsehood, wisdom from folly, and right from wrong has never been more critical. As we navigate the complexities of our time, as usual, we turn to Torah for guidance.
Parshat Shemini recounts the dramatic events of the eighth day of the Mishkan’s inauguration. The day begins with joy and divine presence, as Aharon and his sons bring offerings, and fire descends from heaven to consume those offerings. However, this moment of holiness is abruptly interrupted by the tragic deaths of Nadav and Avihu, who bring an unauthorized fire before God. Their fate serves as a stark lesson on the boundaries of sacred service.
Later in the parshah, the Torah outlines the dietary laws of kashrut, specifying which animals are permitted for consumption and which are not. The section concludes with the commandment to be holy and distinguish between the pure and impure, reinforcing the idea that holiness requires conscious, thoughtful choices.
The Torah states: “To distinguish between the impure and the pure, and between the living things that may be eaten and the living things that may not be eaten.” (Leviticus 11:47) This verse reminds us that holiness is not accidental—it’s a product of intentional discernment. Just as the Israelites were instructed to differentiate between permitted and forbidden foods, we are tasked with making ethical, spiritual, and moral distinctions in our daily lives.
Parshat Shemini, with its focus on distinguishing between the pure and the impure, teaches the importance of discernment in our lives. This theme is beautifully encapsulated in the blessing:
Baruch atah Adonai, Eloheinu melech ha’olam, hanoten l’anu binah l’havdil bein hatamei v’hatahor.
“Blessed are you, Adonai our God, sovereign of the universe, who grants us understanding to distinguish between the impure and the pure.”
The blessing hanoten l’anu binah l’havdil bein hatamei v’hatahor reflects this sacred responsibility. It acknowledges that discernment isn’t merely an intellectual exercise but a divine gift. We ask God for the wisdom to see clearly, to separate the essential from the superficial, and to make choices that align with our values.
At this moment in time, when we’re bombarded daily with competing narratives, when justice and truth both feel elusive, we must embrace the responsibility of discernment. Let us commit to seeking clarity in our decisions, ensuring that our actions reflect holiness and integrity. May we use the skill and blessing of discernment wisely, for the betterment of ourselves and the world around us.
– Rabbi Eve Posen
Source: The Sacred Art of Discernment
