ACHAREI

Shalom Shalom. In this week’s DEVAR TORAH, we will focus on the PARASHAT ACHAREI. ACHAREI is the Hebrew term for after.
•    It begins with the death of Aaron’s two sons when they offered a strange fire to ECHAD.
•    It then goes to the observance of YOM KIPPUR.
•    The ROOT language of TORAH is the idea of making an ascension, which is an inner journey into the TRUTH of BEING.
•    Aaron’s sons were righteous. Their fault was in decision making. In other words, the fault was in belief.  
•    The decision to offer strange fire was based upon belief that it would provide the result they wanted; it was not based on clarity.
•    They were unclear with what they were supposed to do.
•    Belief implies that something is covered or hidden.
•    There is an erroneous saying that says seeing is believing. If you can see it, then you have clarity. You are not believing.
•    We live our lives based on blindness.
•    Rabbis aid an individual in making an inner journey so they can make clear decisions. You need a teacher/navigator to help you see within.
•    Aaron’s sons sought to ascend with belief which led to YOM KIPPUR.
    •    Aaron was instructed to offer the KATAT (sin offering) and the OLAH (burnt offering) for atonement. We do these things based on clear seeing.
•    Belief is blind; not seeing clearly.  
•    We start with belief and then move beyond belief. In other words, faith above reasoning.
•    EMUNAH PESHUTAH is the ability to see God in everything. Through ATZMUTO or the 3rd eye, we are able to see God in everything.
•    With the physical eyes, we see contrast. With the 3rd eye, we see entire.
•    Rabbis see through Kether (3rd eye) to navigate inwardly. In life we need to see clearly.
•    Everything that occurs is so that we are able to navigate correctly.
•    Abraham had clarity. He was able to do what he did because he could see it.
•    Below the barrier, we can’t make clear decisions. Ascension is needed to see with clarity.