In the Torah portion that we
read last shabbat, Parashat Shemini, we come across a strange and
previously unknown concept – that of אש זרה (Eysh Zara) –
a “strange fire” offered up by Aaron’s sons. According to our text,
Nadav and Abihu brought their firepans to the altar after the Mishkan
(Tabernacle) was dedicated and proffered an offering to God that had not been
commanded.
As a result