Short Parsha Riddles: Shemini / שְּׁמִינִי

וַיִּקְרָא / Vayikra / Leviticus 9:1-11:47

Click for printable PDF version.

And don’t forget to read last year’s poem and parsha overview.  Plus… copywork and parsha activities – something for every week of the year!

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[1]

Kohanim are special, from Aharon descended,
Though the Mishkan is gone, their line hasn’t ended.
In this week’s parsha, he raised his hands fast,
To say __________ __________, our bracha, at last.

[2a]

A guy named Nad and his brother Hoo,
They did not know just what to do;
Sizzled some cinnamon in a pan,
And disobeyed Hashem’s great plan.  Who are they?

[2b]

Though brothers now are dead and gone,
Our family’s legacy must live on;
So we two stepped up, snipped our hair,
Just say the word, and we’ll be there.  Who are we?

[3]

Rashi admitted they’re kosher indeed,
Though he’d never eat any, even in need,
But some Jews can nibble them, far to the east,
So maybe someday you’ll find __________ at your feast!

[4] – BONUS!

Just four little letters, and two are the same,
So tiny they barely deserve their own name,
Yet these tiny letters together spell DOOM –
And maybe predict Aharon’s sons in their tomb.

STUMPED?? Here are some answers: 
[ 1 ] Birkas Kohanim (however, the actual text isn’t given until Parshas Naso, Bamidbar 6:24)
[ 2a ] Aharon’s sons Nadav (“Nad”) and Avihu (“Hoo”).
[ 2b ] Aharon’s sons Elazar (“Zar”) and Isamar (“Mar”).
[ 3 ] Locusts.  Google “Mesorah Dinner” after Shabbos for more fascinating details!
[ 4 ] The parsha’s first perek starts with the word Vayehi/וַיְהִי, which, it is suggested (Megillah 10b), is usually used to begin relating an unfortunate incident.