QUESTION: How did two holy people like Nadav and Avihu do an act that they became liable for death?
ANSWER: Nadav & Avihu erred in that they yearned so much for G-d that their souls shed their bodies; their yearning was not balanced with a commitment to worldly service. All Jews have times like Rosh HaShana and Yom Kippur, when they feel the deep connection to G-d. At these times, one must remember our main purpose is to make an effect in this world. (לקוטי שיחות כרך ג, עמ' 879)
QUESTION: What does the language of אני ה' אלקיכם mean at the beginning of the section regarding the laws of forbidden relations (usually means faithful to provide reward and punishment when occurs after the end of a section)?
ANSWER: Rashi’s interpretations of the verse: 1) the verse is an instruction in itself for decrees above intellect; 2) to avert a tragic “disconnection” in Jewish heritage, greater stress needed in the introduction to this section. (Ultimately, we fulfill the Mitzvos as decrees of G-d even if they seemingly contradict human intellect.) (לקוטי שיחות כרך יב, עמ' 85)
QUESTION: The Cohen Gadol prays for himself, his “home”, and then the Jewish people. His home refers to his wife and thus, must be married. Why must the Cohen Gadol first pray for his wife prior to praying for all the Jews?
ANSWER: The Cohen Gadol is required to be in a state of being married on Yom Kippur; as he sees the purpose of marriage is for the “home” being built, also he needs to see the purpose and the role of all matters, and then, he is able to bring a G-dly blessing for all Jews for the entire year. (לקוטי שיחות כרך יז, עמ' 172)
QUESTION: Two commands were given after the deaths of Aharon’s two sons: do not drink intoxicating liquids; and do not enter the Holy of Holies at any time but the prescribed ones. What is the message of these commands to us?
ANSWER: Speaking to two types of Jews: יושבי אהל– connecting mainly to esoteric levels of learning (wine), tend to be disconnected from the earth; and בעלי עסק– worries of the world tend to disconnect one from the purpose of life, and needs set times to connect. (לקוטי שיחות כרך כז, עמ' 611)
QUESTION: What is the difference between the service of the “outer” Altar and the “inner” Altar?
ANSWER: The service of the “outer” Altar involves elevating the physical to G-d – external aspect of Avodah using garments - קרבן- to draw close; The service of the “inner” Altar involves unifying with G-d through the fire of Ketores and its cloud – internal aspect of Avodah cleaving to G-d with emotions and intellect - קטרת - to bind (לקוטי שיחות כרך לב, עמ' 89)
