Parashat Shmini

This weeks Torah Portion is Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47

Shmini means the 8th day. All of the festivals have an 8th day. The Priests were inaugurated for 7 days and on the 8th day they started with their service. In Hebrew 8 has the concept of going beyond the natural confines that we live in. On the 8th day when the Priests assumed their responsibility the glory of God ascended upon the Temple and the entire nation assembled and they saw the divine Presence of God. Will we too step up and report for duty and assume our responsibilities, so that we can also see His face and experience His Presence as they did when they served in the Temple.

This weeks Apostolic Writings is Hebrews 8:1-6

We have to keep the fire burning inside the tabernacle and we have already said that we are the tabernacle. But with what are we allowed to kindle the fire and what are we supposed to burn as a sacrifice on this eternal fire? Can we just do what we want to or does God have specific instructions for us today as well?