Once upon a time in a small village, there lived an old tailor named Yitzhak. He was a humble man who had spent his entire life devoted to his craft and his faith. Every day, Yitzhak would open his shop and serve the villagers, repairing their clothing and sharing stories about the weekly Torah portion.
One day, as Yitzhak was reading the Torah portion of Shemini, a young man named Avi entered his shop. Avi had recently moved to the village and was searching for guidance in understanding the teachings of the Torah.
Yitzhak welcomed Avi and began to share the story of Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, who had offered strange fire to the Lord and had paid the ultimate price for their disobedience. Yitzhak explained the importance of following divine instructions and maintaining holiness in our actions.
Intrigued by the story, Avi asked Yitzhak if there was a deeper meaning behind the tragic tale of Nadab and Abihu. Yitzhak paused for a moment and decided to share a parable with Avi.
“Once, in a distant land, there was a beautiful forest filled with trees of all kinds. In the heart of the forest, there stood two magnificent trees – an olive tree and a cedar tree. The olive tree produced the finest and purest oil, while the cedar tree provided the sturdiest wood.”
“One day, the trees began to argue about which of them was more important. The olive tree claimed that its oil was essential for lighting the lamps in the Temple, while the cedar tree boasted about its wood being used to build the Temple itself.”
“As the argument intensified, a wise old bird perched on a nearby branch and addressed the two trees. ‘Dear friends,’ the bird said, ‘both of you are unique and vital in your own ways. The olive tree’s oil brings light and warmth, while the cedar tree’s wood provides shelter and support. However, neither of you can fulfill your purpose without following the Creator’s instructions.'”
“The bird continued, ‘The olive tree’s oil can only light the lamps if the priests follow the proper procedures, just as the cedar tree’s wood can only create a sacred space if it is built according to the divine plan. It is by obeying the Creator’s guidance that you both become truly valuable.'”
Upon hearing the parable, Avi’s eyes lit up with understanding. He realized that, just like the olive tree and the cedar tree, every person has a unique purpose and must follow divine instructions in order to fulfill that purpose.
Yitzhak smiled, knowing that Avi had grasped the essence of the Torah portion Shemini. From that day on, Avi became a regular visitor to Yitzhak’s shop, eager to learn more about the wisdom of the Torah and the importance of living a life in harmony with God’s will.