This discussion started because of Facebook’s Group –Karaite Jews of America, which I have ask to join. A post from that site was:
http://www.karaites.org/uploads/7/4/1/3/7413835/mikdash_meat_section_20_mourning_and_inheritance.pdf
My response was: Interesting. A couple of comments: 1) Ezekiel 24 is taken out of context, in that Ezekiel is speaking to those who are being taken away to Babylon, regarding what the LORD will do to those left behind. Those restriction are with regard to that event, not for all time. 2) There are the Sons of Aaron and the command by Moses that Aaron is not to mourn while he is performing the Ceremony currently underway, again only for the event. 3) There was mourning all through the Writings of Moses(Torah), none of that is rabbinical. 4) The proposed document deals heavily with sages, midrash and rabbis, maybe a return to the Torah would be better.
Like so many events today, this got me to really consider what the Torah and Tanakh say about Mourning. The Karaite document seems to have much in common with many Rabbinical writings, kind of lost in the minutia (meaning=minute or minor details) of traditions, cultures and personal power or authority.
There are no instruction as to how you are to mourn in the Torah. There are instructions about when you are not to mourn and what certain individuals are not to do. These do not cover all people or events, they are very precise in the applications prescribed.
Let’s start with the events where there were restrictions. Ezekiel 24 has the context of, Ezekiel is speaking to those who are being taken away to Babylon, regarding what the LORD will do to those left behind. Those restrictions are regarding that event. An event where the LORD sent prophets to warn against their actions and attempting to the people to return to GOD. More directly, The LORD knew they would not return and yet HE sent prophets and warning signs, maybe for US. Are we so different from them, holding to traditions and not seeking the GOD of Our Fathers nor striving to learn what we are to do. At least Nineveh repented for a time(<100 Years), to save themselves for a while.
So, Aaron’s son’s, not seeming to be evil, but, they were working in front of the Holy of Holies, they did not perform as instructed by Moses. They did decide to do their own style of worship by bringing alien fire before the LORD. This was performed in front of All the Children of Israel, during the purification event. If the LORD does nothing, then no one need do anything they don’t want. NO Law, NO Punishment. All they need to do was what they were told. The punishment swift and accurate, Aaron is told to show no sign of mourning because the anger of the LORD will go forth. Aaron remained in control until he could leave. Well Done Aaron.
I believe that all of the LAWS in the Writings of Moses still apply.