Introduction: The Joy and the Tragedy
The Shiur delves into the events surrounding the inauguration of the Mishkan (Tabernacle), transitioning from Parshas Tzav to Parshas Shmini. For seven days—the Yemei Miluim—Moshe Rabbeinu commanded Aharon and his sons not to leave the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting). On the eighth day, the ultimate joy of the Mishkan’s dedication was shattered by a profound tragedy: the sudden death of Aharon’s two eldest sons, Nadav and Avihu.
Following their death, Moshe comforts Aharon with a cryptic statement (Vayikra 10:3): "This is what Hashem spoke, saying, 'Through those near to Me I will be sanctified (B'krovai Ekadesh), and before all the people I will be glorified.'"
The Core Question: Why the "Hint"?
Rashi, quoting the Medrash, points back to a verse in Parshas Tetzaveh (29:43): "And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and it shall be sanctified by My glory (V'nikdash Bichvodi)." The Medrash states: Do not read Bichvodi (My glory), but rather Bimchubadai (Through My honored ones).
Moshe tells Aharon: "I knew the Mishkan would be sanctified through those closest to Hashem. I thought it would be either me or you. Now I see that Nadav and Avihu were greater than us."
The speaker raises a powerful question: What was the purpose of Hashem hinting at this tragedy beforehand? If Moshe didn't fully understand the hint, and if the hint didn't prevent the tragedy, why did Hashem give it? A warning is only useful if it can prevent disaster.
The Social Dynamics of the Mishkan: A Monopoly on Honor
To answer this, the speaker paints a vivid picture of the social dynamics among the Jewish people at that moment. Imagine the scene: A nation of millions (men, women, and children) gathers around the newly built Mishkan. Among all these millions—including the Leviim, the Nesiim (princes of the tribes), and even Moshe himself—only five people were chosen to perform the Avodah (service): Aharon and his four sons.
This created an unprecedented concentration of Kavod (honor). When only a select few are granted ultimate prestige, it naturally breeds a dangerous spiritual environment. Jealousy, resentment, and a pursuit of honor can easily take root among the people. Everyone else becomes a "spectator" while these five men receive all the glory.
The Warning: The Lethal Nature of "Kavod"
Hashem’s hint—"Sanctified through My honored ones"—was not merely a fatalistic prophecy; it was a severe warning about the nature of Kavod.
The Mishkan is the epicenter of holiness. In such a place, ego, pride (Ga'avah), and the pursuit of honor are lethal. Hashem was warning the people: Be incredibly careful with honor. The pursuit of Kavod is so dangerous that even the greatest and most honored individuals (Nadav and Avihu) could lose their lives if there was even the slightest miscalculation in their spiritual boundaries or their perception of their own honor.
Practical Mussar: Escaping the Trap of Ego
The speaker masterfully transitions this historical event into a practical lesson for our daily lives, particularly within our own "Mishkanot" communities.
How often do people fight over Kavod? The speaker notes that people will create lifelong disputes over shul honors: Who gets the Aliyah? Who sits at the Mizrach (the eastern wall/head table)? Who gets to pay for the building?
He shares a sharp anecdote about two wealthy men arguing over who gets the "privilege" of paying for a new Shul. One says, "I want to pay for it all!" and the other says, "No, I want to pay for it!" Rather than compromising, they let the project stall. This is not about building a Shul for Hashem; this is about Kavod—the desire to be the sole benefactor.
The Antidote: Humility and Silence
Quoting great sages like the Chazon Ish and the Steipler Gaon, the speaker emphasizes that the root of many sins, especially Loshon Hara (slander) and communal strife, is Ga'avah (arrogance). When a person feels their honor has been slighted, they retaliate.
The ultimate takeaway from the tragedy of Nadav and Avihu and the dedication of the Mishkan is the necessity of Anivus (humility). Real honor belongs exclusively to Hashem.
The speaker concludes with a powerful directive: Learn to take a slight in silence. If someone insults you, or if you don't get the honor you feel you deserve, remain silent. Passing over one's rights (Ma'avir al Midosav) and ignoring an offense is the highest level of spiritual refinement. We must remove our own egos to make room for the Kavod of Hashem.
