By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.
EL CAJON, California — Parasha Shemini is a parsha of contrasts—joy and tragedy, awe and restraint, silence and song. But running beneath it all is a powerful spiritual teaching: when we live with aligned hearts, we avoid disturbing ourselves—and we invite Hashem in. The parsha opens with celebration. The Mishkan is complete. Hashem’s presence fills the space. Fire descends from Heaven. The nation bows in joy and awe. But suddenly, almost immediately, the joy is pierced. Nadav and Avihu, in their spiritual zeal, bring a “foreign fire” that Hashem did not command. The fire comes out and consumes them.
It is of course jarring. But Aharon’s response is what echoes through the ages:
“Va’yidom Aharon.”
“And Aharon was silent.” (Vayikra 10:3)
Not out of indifference. Not out of fear. But from a place of deep emunah, of deep, internal calm. He chose not to fight reality, not to resist what he couldn’t understand. That sacred silence—va’yidom—was a spiritual elevation. A space of inner stillness where he allowed Hashem’s presence to remain. Not confused. Not bitter. Not in protest. Silent.
What disturbed Nadav and Avihu was not evil—it was their unchanneled passion. A desire to serve, but without the humility to follow the structure Hashem set. They acted, but they weren’t aligned.
How often do we disturb ourselves in this same way? When our emotions run ahead of our values, when our impulses outrun our wisdom, when we try to control life rather than to accept it with emunah and bitachon. Seeing it all happens from His hand for us, not to us.
So, what can we learn about inner peace from parsha Shemini?
- Passion Needs Boundaries
Nadav and Avihu weren’t rebels. They sought closeness. But even spiritual longing needs structure. Train your mind to lead with reason instead of letting emotions drive the moment.
Hashem is teaching us: Don’t let your emotion override your wisdom. Desire without direction can bring disorder. If we want peace, we would be wise to honor the sacred boundaries that give our lives structure. The Torah’s quiet message is this: when we act out of deep alignment—with humility, intention, and heart—we invite in peace. We make space for the Shechinah.
- Accepting What We Can’t Understand
Aharon’s silence wasn’t weakness—it was strength. He didn’t rush to explain, justify, or protest. He accepted. In life, we often disturb ourselves by fighting reality.
But acceptance—not passivity, but deep trust—restores peace. Sometimes, the holiest response is quiet faith.
- Protect What We Take In
Later in the parsha, we learn the laws of kashrut. Not just about food—but about mindfulness. They’re not just dietary rules—they’re spiritual boundaries. The Torah is teaching us: what we take in shapes who we become.
When we filter what we consume—not just food, but words, ideas, influences—we protect the holiness inside. We become walking sanctuaries. And in doing so, we spare ourselves so much unnecessary inner disturbance.
What we consume—physically, emotionally, spiritually—shapes who we are. To maintain inner peace, we would be wise to guard what enters our minds and homes. The same goes for what we think…unconditionally accept yourself despite flaws, and refuse to rate your entire self, based on parts of your behavior (you are not your actions). So, speak with yourself about yourself rationally, kindly and acknowledge your humanity.
Filter out the noise. Let in only what uplifts and sanctifies. And that’s the empowering part: the stillness we seek is not “out there”—it’s within our capacity to cultivate. Hashem doesn’t want us constantly unsettled, overwhelmed, or confused. This parsha reminds us that while life may bring moments of pain, the way we respond determines whether we live in peace or in chaos.
- Giving Connects Us to the Divine
Shemini begins with the Mishkan—built through generosity and purpose. The joy of that moment came from the people’s giving hearts.
When we give—with intention, with kavod—we don’t lose. We rise.
Bringing it All Together
Rav Menachem Mendel of Kotzk asked:
“Where is G-d?”
And answered:
“Wherever you let Him in.”
Parsha Shemini reminds us that after periods of waiting, preparation, and even setbacks, a new beginning is possible. When you’ve sat in the same place—emotionally, spiritually, or mentally—for too long, it can shape the way you see everything, even what you may believe Hashem has in store for you. But like the fire that finally descended on the Mishkan, change can come suddenly, powerfully. It’s time to raise your eyes, reset your perspective, and remember: this moment is not your final chapter. Holiness—and forward movement—are still ahead.
So how do we avoid disturbing ourselves?
- By embracing humility—not needing to be in control of everything.
- By choosing aligned action—following Hashem’s will, even when our egos push for more.
- By watching what we “consume”—protecting the purity of our thoughts and souls.
- By finding joy in holy service—not just in what we receive, but in what we give.
This week, ask yourself:
- Where can I quiet the noise in my life?
- Where can I honor boundaries and let structure bring peace?
- Where can I give—not just money, but time, presence, and care?
- And most importantly… where can I let Hashem in? How can I live in a way that doesn’t just avoid disturbance, but invites Hashem’s stillness, joy and presence?
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Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D., prepares a weekly D’var Torah for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members. They are also active members of Congregation Adat Yeshurun.