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.
Labels: Acharei, Judaism, Neo Hasidic, Parashat, Spirituality, Torah, Yom Kippur