Quick Thoughts on the Parsha

The exact midpoint of the Torah is in this week’s parsha, Parshat Shemini, between the words דרש דרש. The context of this is after Nadav and Avihu have died and the kohanim have continued with the korbanot, Moshe investigates thoroughly, דרש דרש, why certain korbanot were burned and others were not eaten. The answer Chazal give on the reason for Moshe’s investigation has to do with the laws regarding korbanot and kohanim who are in aninut. But what do these literally central words, דרש דרש, mean to us today? דרש דרש are the central words of the Torah because they are essential to Jewish living. We are called to investigate injustice, search for meaning and holiness, provide our own drashot, and inquire why things aren’t working and how we can do better. This thorough devotion extends from kashrut, to gemilut chasadim, to parnasa, to kibud av ve’em, and beyond. Today, I encourage you to think of one thing you want to commit to make your focus in living out Moshe’s דרש דרש. It may be a mitzvah or it may be a commitment to take time to relax and be present with loved ones. Whatever you choose, may you be able to say דרש דרש, I thoroughly put my whole self into not just revealing but creating more connection and kedusha in God’s world.

--Rabbanit Alissa