Shemini

Parshat Shemini, Leviticus 9:1-11:47. שְּׁמִינִי a.k.a. Shmini

Shemini,Phase Space,Hamiltonian Mechanics: Kabbalah and Physics of Seven and Eight

By Alexander Poltorak Abstract The Torah portion of Shemini records the climactic eighth day of the Tabernacle’s dedication, the moment when divine fire finally descends. Classical commentators see in the contrast between the first seven days and the eighth the difference between the natural and the supra‑natural. This essay revisits that symbolism from the standpoint of contemporary physics. First, it reassesses the traditional link between seven and the “natural order.” Second, it proposes that the six spatial–momentum coordinates of classical phase space, together with time, provide a more precise physical analogue for the seven midot than the usual six directions of space plus a temporal axis. Finally, it explores an unexpected resonance between the Hamiltonian action integral and the Tetragrammaton, suggesting that the principle of stationary action mirrors the scriptural affirmation, “For I Y‑H‑W‑H do [...]

    Nadab and Abihu — Tragedy in Time

    And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took each of them his censer, and put fire therein, and laid incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Eternal, which He had not commanded them. And there came forth fire from before the Eternal and devoured them, and they died before the Eternal. (Exodus 10:1-2) And Aaron spoke unto Moses: ‘Behold, this day have they offered their sin-offering and their burnt-offering before the Eternal, and there have befallen me such things as these; and if I had eaten the sin-offering to-day, would it have been well-pleasing in the sight of the Eternal? And when Moses heard that, it was well-pleasing in his sight. (Leviticus 10:19) The Torah Portion Shemini tells two stories: One of the tragic death of two sons of Aaron—Nadab (Nadav) and Abihu [...]

      Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll

      And the Eternal spoke unto Moses, after the death of the two sons of Aaron, when they drew near before the Eternal and died. (Leviticus 16:1)   The above verse seems perfectly innocuous and, on the surface, serves as a mere introduction to the laws of Yom Kippur service that follows. Much, however, lies beneath the surface. Some of the deepest secrets of Kabbala are hidden therein. Allow me to present them along the lines of Sex, Drugs and Rock n’ Roll. Sex The story of two eldest sons of Aaron—Nadab (Nadav) and Abihu (Avihu)—dying is told in the Torah portion of Shemini: And Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, took each of them his censer, and put fire therein, and laid incense thereon, and offered strange fire before the Eternal, which [...]

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