- We all recall that the people were required to sacrifice a male goat
as a sin- offering. What was Aaron required to sacrifice as a sin
offering?
A bull-calf (a two year old calf).
- Why were the Cohanim required to make these various sacrifices on the
8th day?
Because Hashem was going to "appear" before them on that day.
- Two of Aaron's sons were killed by Hashem. Who were they?
Nadav & Abihu.
- Why were they killed?
Because they offered strange fire before Hashem which he had not
commanded; also some say they had been drinking.
- Moshe gave Aaron certain instructions concerning the death of his two
sons. What were they?
That Aaron should not grieve; that through those close to Him (the
priests), Hashem would be sanctified and glorified; when those close to
Him do not follow His instructions exactly, they are subject to the
maximum penalty; sets the wrong example for the people.
- Moshe told two of Aaron's cousins to carry the bodies of Nadav and
Abihu outside of the camp. Why didn't their surviving brothers carry
them out?
Because they were Cohanim, had been purified through the 7 days, and
would be defiled by touching dead bodies.
- Who were Aaron's two surviving sons?
Eleazar and Ithamar.
- Moshe became very upset with Eleazar and Ithamar. Why?
Because they did not eat the sin offering in the place of the
sanctuary as commanded, and the blood was not brought into the sanctuary
as commanded.
- It would seem that Eleazar and Ithamar might have been killed by
Hashem in the same manner and for similar reasons as Abihu and Nadav?
Why were they not?
Aaron explained that it would not have been pleasing to Hashem if he
(they) had eaten the sin-offering after what had happened to him (them)
on that day.
- Hashem describes to Moshe the two characteristics of an animal that
make it acceptable for eating. What are they?
Chew their cud; parted and cloven hoof.
- If one touched an unclean animal, for how long was the person
unclean?
Until evening and after he and his clothes are thoroughly washed.
