After the death of Aharon’s two sons Moshe came and told Aharon that he should not enter the Kodesh Hakodashim.

Rav Yosi Haglili confirms that the sons of Aharon had been killed as a punishment for their entry.

Something seems wrong here. If the sons were punished for bringing a strange fire or for being intoxicated, one could argue that they had been warned. But here there was no hint at all that the brothers were not allowed to enter the Holy of Holies. Why the punishment?

One could argue that we are dealing with cause and effect but that does not seem to be the approach of Rav Yosi Haglili.

I think the answer lies in a Medrash Rabba. The Medrash says that the sons committed four sins. They entered the Holy of Holies, they brought a strange fire, they brought the wrong sacrifice, and … they did not consult with one another.

Some explain cleverly that there is a sin for more than one person to enter the Kodesh Hakodashim at a given time. Since Nadav and Avihu didn’t collaborate they ended up coming together and they died.

I think the explanation may be much simpler:

Whenever we embark upon something holy, exciting, and new, we need to humble ourselves and check with somebody else. There is certain arrogance to saying, “there is one spot on earth that is holier than any other and I am going to be the first one to enter it”. It may come from a good place and it may even be a good sentiment, but Nadav and Avihu should have at the very least conferred with one another before taking the step.

The Torah is acquired B’chavrusa and B’eitzah – through companionship and advice.

Perhaps the brothers were punished for entering because they should have consulted with someone else first. Maybe they would have come up with a different idea. Maybe they would have realized that only Aharon should go in, and only on Yom Kippur, and only for a minute.

This was Moshe’s message to Aharon. “Your sons cannot be excused for entering the Kodesh Hakodashim on their own. You didn’t enter. You waited to discuss it with me. I am here as your brother to tell you that it is a good idea”.

Articles on Pesach: https://yaacovhaber.com/rsh_subjects/pesach-passover/