By Rabbi Neil Fleischmann

When the world was created, animals were the first thing,

and though it may seem odd, it is about this that I now sing:

In last week’s parsha, when tumah and taharah were explored,

once again, it seems that in terms of placement, people were ignored.

Animals and kashrut were the first things spoken about,

and people—in Shemini—aren’t even given a shout out.

Now, in Tazria, it’s people’s purity that the Torah does address;

But why did animals come first; are people worth less?

The answer is that just because you came before,

doesn’t mean you’re worth more.

What comes after everything else, in the end,

may be worth the most—that’s the message this placement sends.

When someone comes last, they’re upset, want to be relieved;

they should remember the concept of “Acharon, acharon chaviv.”

On the other hand, this theory can be put to the test,

because, often, what comes first is clearly the best.

Rosh Chodesh is a day we celebrate;

a month’s first day is special, there’s no debate.

There are many examples—like Rosh Hashanah, that starts the year,

which show that first is best, make that perfectly clear.

So the question must be answered when all’s said and done,

first or last, which is the better one?

The smart answer, as always, is that it has to depend,

in different contexts, first and last each have messages to send:

Six days build up to the seventh/Shabbat day;

it is last, and viewed in a special way.

But, sometimes, first gets honored and it isn’t just a stunt,

something is special, and so it’s put up front.

The midrash gives the reason why man was created last:

because he thinks he’s so great, and G0d says, “Not so fast.”

If you live to your potential then, in fact, you are the best,

but when you don’t, then remember you came after bugs and all the rest.

May we be blessed to use our place,

and first or last, win our unique race.

Rabbi Neil Fleischmann, an ordained rabbi from RIETS, has taught Torah for over 30 years, primarily at The Frisch School, where he coached the award-winning poetry team. As an integral part of the Yeshiva Poetry Society, Fleischmann is a passionate advocate for the arts within the Torah world. He was named New York’s funniest rabbi and has performed stand up comedy, as well as presenting as scholar in residence, across the city and country. His literary work includes the haiku collection, “In The Field,” and he has contributed close to 20 poems to the “Stories of Our Lives” anthologies, parts 1 and 2. Currently, Fleischmann is working on a book of parsha poems that combines meaningful content with whimsical formatting. You can reach him at
[email protected].