Many ancient rabbis interpret the “strange fire” as an extreme case of “off the cuff ad-libbing” gone awry. They suggest that the sons were punished for not honoring the painstaking thoughtfulness with which the priestly rituals were originally prescribed, and for acting without intention. As a modern ritual leader, and proud Reform Jew, I don’t read the story of Nadav and Abihu as a warning against adaptation of ritual or innovation, but rather a caution not to innovate carelessly- in a way that severs us from what we’ve been entrusted to do. As ritual leaders and participants, we’re called to enliven our tradition in a mindful, ‘holy way’, a way that connects us to a story and identity far greater than our lifetimes. In shaping our ritual lives to be vibrant and meaningful, I’m guided by the words we often say in our Torah services “Chadesh Yameinu K’Kedem”. In English, this translates to: Renew our days as in the very beginning, or “In an ancient way.” Chadesh-renew us, refresh our enthusiasm for Torah, in fun, creative, ways that speak to today. How? K’Kedem, in a holy, trustworthy way, that honors our yearning to belong to a timeless story we all have a place in.
By Rabbi Laura Rumpf