Parshas Shemini: The Danger of a Misstep

​From Ohr Avigdor Shaar Avodas Elokim by Rabbi Avigdor Miller 

{To an ungrateful person] Hashem will say, “I gave you so much greatness, so much happiness. Is that the way you repay Me? Is that how you show your gratitude to Me?” And therefore if a wealthy person behaves badly he is punished more severely. The tall and handsome person will certainly get more punishments for his misdeeds, as will the man who was blessed with power or intelligence.ָ

---

Hashem’s truth is demonstrated when people see that He does not favor those who are close to Him

As it says, "Of this did Hashem speak, saying, I will be sanctified through those who are nearest Me, thus I will be honored before the entire people; and Aharon was silent" (Vayikra 10:3). Here is what Hashem was saying: “I gave them the privilege of coming close to Me, which was a very great happiness for them. They were able to serve Me in ways that were not available to ordinary people. But I shall be sanctified by means of them because if they make a misstep, even the smallest misstep, I will bring calamity upon them.” That’s what happened to Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aharon. They were the choicest members of the house of the Kohanim and they made a slight deviation in their service, so they were immediately destroyed.

How does strictness toward His closest tzaddikim sanctify Hashem? Hashem’s truth, integrity, and impartiality are demonstrated when people see that He does not favor individuals, even those who are close to Him. On the contrary he punishes them more severely for their misdeeds. That’s a great honor to Hashem in the eyes of all the people.