Parsha:

Shemini 

Description

The Jewish nation is compared to the heart and its leaders are compared to the lungs. The leader must understand when to kindle the emotional flames of a depressed Jewish heart. The leader must understand when to extinguish the emotional flames which are not contained within the parameters of Jewish law. When we treat each other with respect the little sparks within each of us merge into one huge flame. Rebbi Akiva's students did not respect each other completely. Rebbi Shimon Bar Yochai rectified the sins of Rebbi Akiva's students through his love for fellow Jews. Nadav and Avihu's (Aharon's sons) great desire to serve G-d led them to act in a way that was not completely in accordance with Jewish law. Pinchas, whose fiery desire was contained within the parameters of Torah law, rectified the sins of Nadav and Avihu. Eliyahu Hanavi (Elijah the prophet) is a master at controlling the spirit of the Jewish nation. The fins of a kosher fish propel the fish forward, while the scales prevent it from going too fast.