Shmini (eviticus 9:1 - 11:47)

The portion is named Shmini, "the eighth", because it begins with describing what happened on the eighth day of the dedication of the Tabernacle.

The portion begins with a detailed description of the sacrifices Aaron offers on the eighth day of the dedication of the Tabernacle, the treatments of each offering, and the roll of Aaron's sons in the process. When this is completed, Moses and Aaron bless the people, and a fire from God comes out and consumed what was on the altar, causing the people to prostrate before God.

Following this, for reasons not given in the Bible, Aaron's two older sons, Nadav and Avihu, take their censers and offer incense before God, lighting a fire on their own, thus doing something they were not commanded to do. A fire came out from before God and consumed them both. Aaron is silent and does not complain about the punishment while speaking with Moses. Aaron and his remaining sons are forbidden to show signs of mourning.

After the death of Nadav and Avihu, the priests are commanded not to drink wine when coming to serve God. Aaron's two remaining sons, Elazar and Itamar, are instructed on how they are to eat their share of the offerings.

The portion ends with a detailed list of the Israelite dietary laws, describing which animals may be eaten and which may not, as a means of keeping the people holy.