In Parshat Shemini, while Aaron concerns himself with his Priestly vestments, his sons, Nadav and Abihu, bring “Aish Zara,” strange fire, to HaShem’s alter and meet a fiery fate. The Torah is vague about the nature of the fire, and there is even debate over the exact sin- or if they sinned at all. We modern Jews rarely fear such literal divine retribution. After all, in the Rabbinic age without the Beit HaMikdash, public sacrifices and burnt offerings are unfamiliar. For us, it is instead our inner spiritual fire that counts.

All the more reason the story of Aaron’s sons Nadav and Abihu is an allegory for our own young people. As Jews, they are by nature spritual people, each with the spark of Yiddishkeit within them. Some say we must gather these sparks, but Shmini seems to tell us to learn from Aaron and be mindful of what we let fuel their flickering flame. While we worry about the ornamental vestments of our communities, the building funds, flyers and annual dinners, our young people are off playing with fire.

Lets face it- teens and young adults spend more time taking in movies, television, pop music than taking in their own Jewish heritage. It shouldn’t surprise us that their inner flame is kindled by commercial pop culture, or even more corrosive influences. While seemingly innocuous, most media influencing and inspiring young people is devoid of Jewish value. Their spiritual paths are often lit by elements that make little sense to them, making their Jewishness somewhat foreign, disconnected and confusing. Strange fire indeed. This generation isn’t being burnt alive as Nadav and Abihu, but Jewishly, they do often flame out and extinguish. So what can we do?

As young people mature and develop a tastes for pop culture, we can reverse the trend by employing these familiar forms to them to teach Jewish messages and themes. Even as passive entertainment, contemporary Jewish films and music are powerful tools and can their rekindle their Jewish lives. Are they the answer to all our problems? No; there were other considerations in Nadav and Avihu’s demise as well. But as HaRav Boruch Springstein put it, “You can’t start a fire without a spark!” and cool Jewish culture can fan the Jewish flames within- how about that- fighting fire with fire! If you’re looking for spiritual starter fluid to keep the Jewish flame alive among your young people, contact us j-arts.org.