Shemini שְּׁמִינִי - Eighth
Torah Portion: Leviticus 9:1-11:47
Leviticus 9:17–23
9:17 He presented the meal offering, and filled his hand from there, and burned it upon the altar, in addition to the burnt offering of the morning. 18 He also killed the bull and the ram, the sacrifice of peace offerings, which was for the people. Aaron’s sons delivered to him the blood, which he sprinkled around on the altar; 19 and the fat of the bull and of the ram, the fat tail, and that which covers the innards, and the kidneys, and the cover of the liver; 20 and they put the fat upon the breasts, and he burned the fat on the altar. 21 Aaron waved the breasts and the right thigh for a wave offering before Hashem, as Moses commanded. 22 Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people, and blessed them; and he came down from offering the sin offering, and the burnt offering, and the peace offerings.
23 Moses and Aaron went into the Tent of Meeting, and came out, and blessed the people; and Hashem’s glory appeared to all the people.
Today’s Meditation:
In the last verse (23), Moses and Aaron come out of the Tabernacle, bless the people, and Hashem’s glory appears to everyone. How amazing that would be. To be there to witness a special “house” for Hashem and then for His glory to appear. Were they blinded? Did they prostrate before Him? Whatever happened, I can only imagine total unexplained peace and joy. You would not have words to speak, only to dwell in the current moment. In the presence of His glory.
Today’s Challenge:
As we read, Moses and Aaron blessed the people. Think about your blessings today. In other words, how have you been blessed? Sometimes we get caught up in problems, troubles, or even daily challenges of life. We start complaining or worrying. We often forget about all that Hashem has given us, all that we possess. The fact that we can study Torah. The Torah that gives eternal life. We can read about serving and loving Hashem, as well as loving others. What a total blessing that is. Today is a great day to reflect on all that you have. Think about all the wonderful people Hashem has put in your life. Then start to praise Him. No matter how tough a time you are going through, thank Him for what He has done and continues to do. We may not have Moses to bless us, but we have the Spirit of Elohim upon us. And that is a huge blessing.
