Holy Kohanim

This week, we read פרשת אמור. It contains the special rules that apply to the Kohanim, and how they are to be treated.

In Temple times, they had a larger role to fulfill, as they were responsible for Temple service. They also needed to be available to receive their twenty-four gifts, as enumerated in the Torah. The most common gift was Teruma, where they received a portion of one’s harvest. They also received Bikurim, the first fruits, and others that were mainly related to sacrifices.

Technically, there are still animals, or parts of animals that belong to the Kohein today. The first born male Kosher animal belongs to him. Similarly, the זרוע לחיים וקיבה, the limbs, cheek bone, and parts of innards, also belong to the Kohein. These are not given as it involves issues of purity and impurity.

The one gift that a Kohein does receive today are the five silver coins he receives for Pidyon Haben. (I usually give them back as a gift to the first born baby.)

There are other laws that make being a Kohein, a special privilege. The Torah says, regarding a Kohein, וקדשתו, that he should be sanctified. He gets called to the Torah first, leads the Bircat Hamazon, and is supposed to be offered the first portion, when food is distributed.

In Israel, the Priestly blessing is recited 450 times. Outside of Israel, around ten times.

Because of the Kohein’s special spiritual role, he has other restrictions. To maintain his sanctity, he must not come in contact with the dead or visit cemeteries. He also has restrictions as to who he is allowed to marry.

Now that we know these details regarding the Kohein, special care needs to be taken to show respect for “the sons of Aaron.” And the Kohanim, themselves, should behave in a way that makes them worth of such respect.

Truth and Peace

It is a well known principle in Judaism that in order to achieve Shalom, peace, there must be Emet, truth alongside it. This is a true on a national level, but especially true on a personal level.

It is necessary that one must distance himself from all types of falsehood. This a verse in the Torah that verifies this with the words, מדבר שקר תרחק, urging every Jew to stay away from lies.

King Solomon made this point numerous times in the Book of Mishlei. He made it clear that Hashem, Himself, despises lies and falsehood. He said that he would forfeit great wealth rather than accept such dishonesty and deception.

Courage is required to be prepared to admit that specific individuals who have been a part of our lives, are not what they pretend to be. This can even include relatives that try to pass themselves off as loyal and caring, when it is not truthful. These are the most difficult situations when we realize that the best thing for us is to cut off ties with the insincere, that really want to harm us.

There are even morning prayers where we ask for Divine help that we succeed in being able to stay far away from bad people, bad neighbors and bad friends.

Looking at truthfulness may not be easy, but it will ultimately lead to real peace. Honesty is the best policy, and through it, we will be able to attach ourselves to holiness and all that is good in the world.

Righteous Israelis

There are certain instances in a person’s life, when his slate is cleaned of all his previous sins. The wedding day is such an example, when there is a fresh start.

The Torah also gives people a new start when the Sabbatical year arrives. All debts are forgiven, which allows a person to get out of financial difficulties.

There is reference to the fresh start that one is given when he moves to Israel from Parshat Kedoshim. The positioning of a verse that speaks of atoning for a specific sin, is adjacent to the verse that speaks of, “when you shall enter the Land.”

The Rabbis derive from these two verses that one who lives in Israel, will achieve atonement for all previous iniquities. There is another reference that implies that one who lives here, is a Tzaddik.

This is derived from the double mentioning of the words, “And the Land shall not vomit you out.” Those who are not worthy are not tolerated by this holy place, and they do not achieve the special merit of being able to live in Israel.

We must repeat regularly that we are so blessed to have been given the gift of the State of Israel. And those of us that live here, need to constantly give thanks that they are able to be part of this Jewish dream.

Democracy and Torah

We learned this week of the Torah’s commandment of וחי בהם, that we are to live by the Mitzvot and not die by them. This is a source for the concept of פיקוח נפש, that if there is danger to an individual’s physical well being, he may violate the Torah obligation. For example, Shabbat may be transgressed if someone needs to be taken to the hospital.

The Talmud in Sanhedrin, tells of a significant meeting in the town of Lod, where members of the highest ruling body, the Sanhedrin, had an important vote. The issue discussed was whether or not they should establish exceptions to the rule that other laws may be violated as well, if one’s life is threatened.

It is interesting that such an important matter came to a vote. The decision on that historic day was that in three matters, one must allow himself to be killed rather than transgress. These include, murder, idol worship, and sexual immorality.

Based on this ruling, countless numbers of Jews gave their lives, sanctifying the Name of G-d. The Rabbis established by a vote, and were given this authority by the Torah from Mount Sinai. The reverse, חילול ה׳, the desecration of G-d’s Name, is the most difficult sin to achieve atonement. This applies in these three areas, if one does not sacrifice his life.

Judaism does support the idea of democracy and the majority rule. This held true when a great deal was at stake.

Nevertheless, the Torah and democracy part ways if there is an attempt to change basic principles of ethics and morality. Hashem, Himself, has the final word in these areas. We must never forget this.

Religious Jews Are Not Deprived

Parshat Kedoshim begins with the words, קדושים תהיו, “Be holy.” The Rabbis comment on this by saying, קדש עצמך במותר לך, “Sanctify yourself with what is permitted.”

Many believe that when one chooses to live the life of an observant Jew, he is depriving himself of many of the joys of life. This statement of the Rabbis, proves the contrary.

The Rambam in Hilchot Deot makes this point very clearly. He wrote that it would almost be sinful not to partake of worldly pleasures. The goal is to elevate and sanctify them.

For example, it is strongly recommended to marry and fall in love. A religious couple learn to express their love in different ways. When the laws of Family Purity are observed, the times when a physical bond is permitted, it is considered a holy union.

We are allowed to partake of delicious food. We only need to be certain that this food is kosher. We add additional sanctity to our food, by making a blessing, before and after partaking of this food.

There is nothing wrong with living in a beautiful house. We make our house a home, by putting Mezuzot on our doors. We make it a special home by welcoming guests, and creating an atmosphere of warmth and love.

This is what is meant by sanctifying oneself with what is permitted. Religious Jews do not feel deprived. They learn to take even mundane activities, and add some Godliness to it.

A student once came to me the morning after learning this valuable lesson. He told me that when he brushed his teeth that morning, he did it with the intention of having a fresh and clean mouth. This would be the respectful way for him to say his morning prayers. He got the message.

G-d, Woke, and Morality

We are living in very tumultuous times. The representation of truth and morality, has very different extremes. The “woke” culture, borders on nothing less than insanity. Everyone has their own definition of right and wrong.

Some believe that “if it feels good, it must be right.” Others believe that as long as it’s not racist, it is probably okay. And still others would say that one’s view must reflect democratic principles. What remains, is a chaotic situation.

The Al-mighty G-d, in His abundant wisdom, recognized the need to give His version of right, truth, and morality, in His book, known as the Bible. Because of His perfection, these principles were meant for all time. They could not be undone by a democratic vote, that passed laws deciding on a “new morality.”

The arrogance or ignorance that allows people to believe that they could be more compassionate than G-d, is astounding. The rules laid out by G-d for all mankind, are not necessarily easy to follow, but they are right.

We are witnessing what happens to a world that has no such yardstick. People have shown that they are capable of believing the absurd to be right. When G-d gave the Jewish people the Torah, He warned that if it was not observed, the world would return to תהו ובוהו, the chaotic state before creation.

Many people are down on religion, because of those who pervert it. A tremendous number of deaths have occurred in the name of religion. And there are many turned off to religion, because it was misrepresented, or “stuffed down their throats.”

Despite all of that, we must remember that the Torah is perfect. Those who practice it, are not.

Like it or not, as Jews, we pray and believe that the day will come when “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord.” Perhaps the world first needs to hit rock bottom before we get there. Sadly, we are almost there.

Army of Hashem

It is not a coincidence that the double Parshiot of Acharei-Mot- Kedoshim follow Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut. If we translate the names of these two Torah portions, it means that after death, they are holy.

Some explain this to mean that only after a person dies, does it become revealed, how holy and great they were. We are often surprised and even ashamed, that it took someone’s death, for us to realize just how special they were.

This cannot be overstated when we remember the heroes who gave their lives, so that we can have a homeland. Rav Nachman Kahane often mentions that we should see the army uniform of an IDF soldier, as having the same sanctity as the priestly garments of the Temple.

The common factor between the two is that both the Jewish soldier, sanctify the Name of G-d. There can be no greater sanctity than being prepared to die for the sake of one’s Jewishness.

I believe it was the Lubavitcher Rebbe who was once asked the following question by one of his disciples. The question was regarding his custom of visiting the graves of Tzaddikim, to ask for their blessing. His problem was that he was in Eilat, and there were no known graves of the righteous there, as he would normally find in Tzfat, Tiberias, or Jerusalem.

The Rebbe suggested that he should go to the military cemetery in Eilat. These fallen soldiers had similar sanctity, as they died sanctifying the Name of G-d.

Chabad always had a slogan saying, “we are the army of Hashem.” The fact that we have a real army of brave, proud, Jewish soldiers, is also the fulfillment of a Jewish dream. It is a symbol that our long and bitter exile is coming to an end. There is a new spirit and a new hope that the Redemption is near. All we need to do, is open our eyes, and we will see it. G-d willing, great things are ahead for the Jewish people.

Loving the Land

There is such an amazing contrast today, in terms of how Jews of all backgrounds, view the State of Israel. Israel’s Independence Day, is a day of reflection and appreciation.

Part of the celebrations in Israel, involve an air show, sponsored by the IDF. Fighter jets fly over the parks all over the country, where families are enjoying their barbecue picnic. Any Jew who is not moved and filled with a sense of pride, when these jets fly overhead, does not understand Jewish history. It is a clear statement that maybe in the past it was okay to persecute the Jews, but today, “You better not mess with the Jews.” We have come home, and we feel Divine protection both spiritually and physically.

The inability to grasp the miracles that take place daily, and literally seeing the Hand of G-d, means that either that individual is highly ignorant or blind.

Those of us who are blessed with the fulfillment of the Jewish dream, of living in Israel, must never take this for granted. Rabbi David Magence, in his book, “Magen Banim,” tells the story of a Rabbi Binyamin Leon.

Rabbi Leon pointed out that living in Israel is not only the fulfillment of a dream, but it is also the fulfillment of one of the 613 Mitzvot of the Torah. He, therefore, composed a prayer, that he vowed to recite every day, for the remainder of his life. Here is a part of that prayer: “May it be Your will, our G-d and the G-d of our fathers, that You help me to honor Your holy name, and cherish the Land of Israel with all my heart, at all times, at every hour, and every moment. May I be perpetually joyful in dwelling within the Land, with great longing for her, as one who longs for his mother. I express my appreciation that I have been able to enter the place which Moses and Aaron could not enter.”

This prayer demonstrates that their are those who deeply cherish our one and only Jewish homeland. This gap between those who lack this appreciation and those who are passionate in their love for this Land, should no longer exist. Every Jew should wake up and come home and join his 7.15 million Jewish brethren, in our miraculous State of Israel. Chag Atzmaut Sameach!

Acknowledge the Miracle of Israel

It is very difficult to understand how Jews worldwide fail to appreciate the miracle that is the State of Israel. It is even more difficult to understand how many religious Jews lack that same appreciation.

It has been said that when one stands next to a mountain, he is unable to see how high it is. The days of Yom Hazikaron, where we remember our fallen soldiers, and Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, are meant as a time of reflection. We acknowledge the sacrifice that was necessary in the creation of the State. And we should be filled with awe and amazement of what has transpired over the last seventy-five years. We say the Hallel prayer to praise Hashem for making this miracle come into fruition.

Who could have imagined that in such a relatively short time, that out of the ashes of Auschwitz, there could emerge a Jewish homeland of over seven million Jews? Israel has taken its place among the nations, and is a leader in so many areas.

What might be the most amazing, is the return of so many to their Jewish roots. The number of Yeshivot, and the amount of Torah learning, has not been seen since the period of the Second Temple.

This lack of acknowledgement can only be attributed to blindness and a bit of stubbornness. Some dismiss these great fulfillments of prophecy, by rationalizing that the country is still not religious enough. And some feel justified that they will only be convinced that this is part of a Divine plan, when the Mashiach comes.

It is interesting to note that as far back as 1962, Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, bemoaned the fact that religious Jews in America were not willing to align themselves with Religious Zionism.

In an address at a Mizrachi convention, he made a very direct request of the religious community. He said that it was clear that he was constantly approached with requests to render Halachic decisions, on a wide range of subjects. He said that if he could be trusted to decide difficult matters of Halacha, he should be trusted when he says that all religious Jews should be Zionists and do everything possible to strengthen the State of Israel.

This appears to be, without a doubt, the right thing to do. Israel is an incredible gift from G-d. We longed for it for nearly two thousand years. Now that this dream has come true, we must embrace it and cherish it, and appreciate it with all our hearts.

Proper Speech

When we discuss the illness known as צרעת, or leprosy, it is always connected with the subject of Lashon Hara, evil speech. This is explained as the number one cause of the biblical leprosy.

We must never underestimate the power of speech. A great deal has been written on the subject in the Torah and in Scriptures. The Rabbis also repeatedly warned about guarding our tongue.

The well known phrase, “sticks and stones may break my bones,” is not a Jewish belief. Judaism believes that words can be more harmful in the long term, than being physical harm. The damage from insults and slander can last a lifetime.

The Rambam identifies three categories of forbidden speech. The first is called, רכילות, or gossiping. This refers to things said about another person that are true, but could still be harmful.

The second type of forbidden speech is Lashon Hara. The Rambam defines this type of talk as also being true. But in this case the speech tells of negative things about another individual. This is obviously going to hurt that person.

The final category is known as מוציא שם רע, bringing a bad name. In this case, the things spoken are lies against that person. It becomes difficult to disprove such damaging falsehoods.

One must be careful not to listen to such negative speech. If the slanderer does not have an audience to listen to him, he will not speak so negatively.

If the Torah lets us know how such speech can cause the serious illness of leprosy, we should take greater care with how we speak.

The solution is to realize the value of silence, or not speaking at all. The sign of a wise man, is how carefully, he chooses his words. The sign of a fool, is one who just speaks on and on, and does not think about the consequences of his speech. Every now and then, we need to be reminded about our speech. It is too easy to forget how important this is. We cannot take back our words.

Worried Parents

The Gemara in מסכת נדה, gives an unclear explanation as to why a the Brit of a Jewish boy is on the eighth day.

The intent was for all present at this ceremony to be in a state of joy, but if not for the eighth day, the new parents of the baby would be sad. There is little explanation for this puzzling statement.

Rav Shlomo Mann זצ״ל, gave a fascinating answer as to the intent of the Gemara. He felt that parents may suddenly be struck with great worries after the birth of their new baby. How will they give him a proper Jewish education. How will they be able to adequately provide for him, and would he one day marry a nice Jewish girl.

In order to put these worries to rest, the Torah ordained that one Shabbat must pass, before the baby is circumcised. When the holy Sabbath comes, all worries are put to rest. A person is to enter this day feeling as if all of his work is done.

When Shabbat comes in, we are reminded that we are a people that defy nature. Our relying on Hashem, is all that is necessary for us. We know that such faith can carry us through all difficulties.

This awareness that Shabbat gives us, brings us great joy. We now have the strength to meet any challenge; including raising a little boy to adulthood. This was what the Gemara meant when it said the Brit had to be on the eighth day. Otherwise, they would have been full of sadness and worry. Their Shabbat experience, set them on the right path. Now they were ready to celebrate the miracle and blessing of bringing their son into the covenant of Abraham.

Growing With Difficulties

We are now in the period between Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron. We remember those who perished in the Holocaust, as well as our fallen soldiers. It is certainly a time of reflection in trying to understand why the innocent suffer.

Rabbi Avraham Twerski, זצ״ל, was both a rabbi and psychiatrist. He told the story of when he was a young doctor, that was still a part time synagogue rabbi. He tragically watched a new mother looking after her baby, who was born with terminal illnesses. He did his best to comfort her with prayer, but felt completely impotent.

He went to his father for advise. He asked how it was possible that as both a doctor and a rabbi, he could not help this poor woman. After all, these were the two occupations meant to bring hope and healing to people.

The senior Rabbi Twerski gave the following sage advice. We must remember that as humans, we are not capable of understanding G-d’s ways. We know that G-d is perfection, and there is no being in the world as merciful as Him. Sometimes, it’s difficult for us humans to see that mercy, but it is always there.

He continued by saying that the young mother would never be the same after losing her baby. This is the nature as to how we grow as human beings. We grow by way of difficulties. We do not grow when things are going well. Sometimes, it takes being shaken up a bit, to motivate us. This explains that in the teachings of Chassidut, its disciples learned to embrace the difficulties.

The word, נגע, meaning blemish, has the same letters as the word, ענג, meaning delight. They would see the נגע as a sign that something really good was just around the corner.

If we learn how to adopt this philosophy, we will view life’s challenges from a different light. Rabbeinu Tam, the grandson of Rashi, called this world, נוה תלאות, the dwelling place of difficulties. We are meant to learn how to overcome and grow from these difficulties.

If we acquire the faith and skills in embracing these challenges, we will merit living in the eternal world, also known as עולם האמת, the World of Truth.

Giving Birth

This week, we read of the details involving the purification process of the יולדת, the woman who gives birth. There is a period of separation until she regains her strength, both physically and spiritually.

Part of this process, is the קרבן יולדת, the sacrifice offered by the new mother. It is a bird offering for her required חטאת, sin offering.

The Torah tells us that she may bring a בן יונה, turtle dove, or a תור, translated as a young dove. The Baal Haturim makes a fascinating observation about these birds.

He notes that everywhere in the Torah where these two birds are mentioned, the תור always comes before the בן יונה, except for here.

He explains further that the תור shows loyalty to its mate. Once it has mated with a specific male, it will no longer mate again.The יונה, on the other hand, will mate again in the future.

Loyalty is something to be admired, even in birds. Yet, the world must continue, and it is not good for man to be alone. The Baal Haturim noticed this change in order, and felt there was a message here. He must have seen that the refusal of the תור to mate again, was not necessarily a good trait.

Ideally, we stay with our beloved spouses throughout our lives. But if tragedy occurs, or the marriage fails, we must try again.

The יולדת must not become despondent because of the ordeal of birth. She must regain her strength and determination to bring more children into the world. The sin offering is to atone for things she may have said while going through her painful labor.

Hopefully, she will regret what she said and continue in the way of the יונה, to procreate and bring more G-d fearing Jews into the world.

To Separate

The word, להבדיל, “to separate,” is found only five times in all of Tanach. It appeared twice in Parshat Shemini.

The Book of Bereishit spoke of separating between light and darkness and day and night. The separation mentioned in שמיני as well as in Yechezkel, speaks of a separation between holy and profane. The final separation is between טמא וטהור, the pure and the impure.

The role of the Jewish people was to remain separate in order to achieve holiness. They needed to make a concerted effort to remove themselves from the impure and the profane. The vehicle to achieve this holiness was through the observance of the 613 Mitzvot.

Years ago, we were privileged to have an American Noachide couple, address our students at Machon Meir. They told the students the following: “Our job through the observance of the Seven Noachide Laws, allows us to become righteous. Your job, as Jews, is to become holy.”

This was a profound message, as it summed up the concept of “righteous Gentiles,” and “holy Jews.” ( I later learned that this couple ultimately converted and made Aliya.)

The point here is that everything in this world has its specific purpose. This is why it is forbidden to mix different fruit trees, or crossbreed animals.

We define our role when we recite the Havdalah prayer every Saturday night. Shabbat is a separation between holy and profane, and we mention אור לחושך, light to darkness, and Israel and the nations.

Perhaps the world would be a better place if these defined roles were followed. Each individual would know his place, and everyone would achieve their maximum.

Managing a Home in Temple Times

It is a little more understandable as to why Jews have gone so far astray from their Jewish observance, when we consider what we lost. If we gain a better understanding of what we once had, we will realize how easy it is to abandon something once cherished.

Another aspect of living during Temple times, is the care that was taken in managing one’s home. Keeping kosher was a given because its violation carried strict penalties. People needed to manage their homes with great care. They needed to set aside the various tithes that needed to be given to a Kohein, or brought to Jerusalem for consumption there.

These tithes, known as תרומה and מעשר שני, had their own rules connected with their handling. All of this required being knowledgeable of these details. If such foods are eaten in a state of impurity, or if a non-Kohein ate the Kohein’s Teruma, if done intentionally, there could be מיתה בידי שמים, death by the Heavenly court. If unintentionally, a sin-offering, קרבן חטאת, needed to be offered.

Unlike today, the entire community was aware, and respected the punitive system of the Torah. And unlike today, people were reminded of their Judaism at all times.

It is important to realize the state of holiness and spirituality that was once an integral part of every Jew’s life. If we can achieve this realization, it will create a greater longing for Mashiach and the rebuilding of the Temple.

And perhaps, if we realize that no less than 246 of the 613 Mitzvot of the Torah can only be observed in Eretz Yisrael, it will create a greater longing for the Jewish people to come home to Israel, the only home for its people.

The Temple and Purity

We often speak of the great loss that we have by not having a functioning Beit Hamikdash. The Temple served as a place of inspiration for the entire Jewish nation.

The pilgrimage festivals were very uplifting for the people. They were able to feel G-d’s Presence and closeness.

There is another aspect to the Temple era that is often overlooked. This refers to the care that needed to be taken in terms of טומאה וטהרה, purity and impurity. Every Jew needed to be aware of his personal status at all times.

Aside from the prohibition of entering the Temple in a state of impurity, there were many other situations, where people needed to be aware of their status.

One needed to be in a constant state of awareness regarding contamination. There were necessary quarantines if one had come in contact with the dead, or one who had leprosy. A dead reptile also made a person Tamei.

There was also the problem of food or garments that could be contaminated by having come in contact with certain impurities. The Mikva was needed regularly in order to attain purification for people and vessels.

The point here is that one was not able to stray very far from his Jewishness. There was a constant state of awareness of one’s status. The combination of the existence of the Temple as well as these laws of purity and impurity allowed Jews to live a very spiritual life. How we long for those days!

Sober Kohanim

The consensus opinion regarding the sin of Nadav and Avihu, was that they entered the Holy of Holies in a state of intoxication. We know this because of the command to Aharon, that it is forbidden for the Kohein to perform Temple service after he drank wine.

There is a Gemara that advises modern day Kohanim to remain in a sober state. The Temple might fall from the sky, and sober Kohanim will be needed for immediate service.

Even today, we are careful about Kohanim drinking wine. This is why the priestly blessings are only done in the morning at Shacharit. There is no Duchaning at Mincha because Kohanim may have drunk some wine at lunch. If prayer takes the place of sacrifices, there was a morning and evening sacrifice in the Temple, and there should be a priestly blessing in the evening.

This explains why there is Duchaning at Mincha on a fast day. No wine has been consumed that day.

There is often an argument on Simchat Torah as to whether Kohanim can Duchan for Mussaf. Most synagogues give a Kiddush before Mussaf. If the Kiddush was made on wine, no Duchaning for Mussaf. I once pleaded with the rabbi of the neighborhood to allow me to give the Priestly blessing on Simchat Torah since I was careful to make Kiddush on grape juice. My request was granted.

That Makes Sense

There is a large section in Parshat Shemini that deals with an explanation of the Kashrut laws. This is the source for the requirements of animals, fish, and fowel.

In the case of animals, they must chew their cud and have split hooves. Fish must have fins and scales in the water. (If they fall off, when taken from the water, they are still kosher.) Birds of prey may not be eaten.

On a recent trip to the States, my carry-on was searched by a TSA officer. When he saw my Tefillin, he asked me, “Are you a rabbi or something?” When I told him that I was, he asked me, “What’s the deal with that kosher stuff.” I told him that we are not allowed to eat animals that eat other animals. He was satisfied and said, “That makes sense.” And this whole conversation took place, while I was passing through the security line!

The Rabbis use the expression that food from a non-kosher animal, is מטמטם את הלב, confuses the heart. Our souls are affected by what we put into our bodies.

The soul is the eternal part of man’s being. It is pure and holy. The body and soul are meant to complement one another. The body can be used to do acts of kindness and other Mitzvot. For example, the Tefillin are wrapped on the body, and sanctify it. Placing food that is deemed unclean and impure into the body, causes harm to the soul.

A Jew is expected to act in a way that elevates and sanctifies. All of his actions should be thought out and planned. He must not defile himself in any way. Eating kosher food, helps achieve this goal of sanctity and purification. And as my TSA friend put it, “That makes sense!”

Respect Your Elders

There are many interpretations as to why Nadav and Avihu, the sons of Aharon, deserved to be put to death. The Baal Haturim lists at least five possible reasons, but is more inclined towards one of these reasons.

He said that their fate was sealed because they didn’t listen to rebuking. They decided matters of Jewish Law, disrespecting their teachers, Moshe and Aharon.

They were the younger generation that thought they knew better than the older generation.

This phenomenon is seen very strongly in today’s world. The wisdom and experience of the older generation, is not consulted for direction. The younger people actually believe that they know better.

It is possible that this feeling of superiority comes from the familiarity of the younger crowd, with the technological world. If the older people don’t catch on as well with e-mails and texting, and are not able to remember the various passwords, and unlocking encrypted messages, they must not be very bright. How can they be expected to give sage advice when they don’t know the difference between Tik Tok and Instagram?

Throughout our history, we were taught to respect our elders, and glean from their vast knowledge and experiences. They are missing out on a real treasure, waiting to be taken.

The consolation may come with the understanding that this problem began a long time ago. And an even greater consolation is that the Talmud in Masechet Sota, sees this lack of respect of the youth towards their elders, as a clear sign that Mashiach is on his way.

And Aharon Was Silent

As a Torah educator, it was always my task to show the value of living a life of faith in G-d, along with the observance of the Mitzvot. The question that is often asked is that it is not so obvious that the observant Jew are happier. There are clearly many very fine people who do not strictly observe Shabbat or keeping kosher, and they seem to be pretty happy with their lives.

My answer is that all of that may seem to be true, but the challenge comes during times of tragedy. The man of faith has the tools to deal with such tragedies, better than one without faith.

I know this is a generality that may not always be true. But the proof of my theory is seen in Parshat Shemini, and was witnessed by the conduct of Rabbi Leo Dee, and his incredible faith in handling an unspeakable tragedy.

Aharon needed to deal with the loss of his beloved sons, Nadav and Avihu. This took place on the day of the dedication of the Mishkan. We are told, וידם אהרון, that Aharon remained quiet. He accepted his horrible fate, without questioning in any way.

Rabbi Leo Dee demonstrated incredible courage and faith, in giving comfort to a grieving nation, who all felt the pain of the loss of his beloved wife and daughters. Like Aharon, he accepted his decree without questioning. If this was Hashem’s will, as a believing Jew, he will accept it.

It takes a great deal of study and spiritual application, to get to the level where one achieves this unshakable faith. Clearly, this is a benefit of the man of convictions. He understands his role and purpose in this world.

There are no shortcuts to acquiring contentment and peace of mind. A religious way of life has numerous benefits. Sometimes, it takes a tragedy to come to the realization of our special heritage. The bottom line is that it is very special to be a Jew.