Arrested for Arrogance

The Talmud in Masechet Baba Kama 59b, relates a very unusual story connected with an individual named, Eliezer Ze’ira. The incident took place in the city of Nehardea, in Bavel.

Eliezer was walking in the market place wearing black shoes. Some opinions were that his shoes had white laces. He was stopped for questioning by the representatives of the Exilarch. They wanted to know why he was wearing such provocative shoes. He explained that the shoes were a symbol of his constant mourning for the destruction of the Temple.

He was arrested on the grounds that he acted in a very arrogant manner. Only the greatest members of the community, were on such a level to truly feel the loss of our Temple.

Eliezer told the authorities that he was a very learned person, and he was not trying to show off. He was on the level of those who mourned daily for the Temple.

He said that they could ask him any question in Halacha, and if he knew the answer, it proved his worthiness of wearing such shoes.

Eliezer was asked a complicated question involving the assessment of damages to a field of crops that were not yet ripe. They verified that Eliezer’s answer was correct by contacting the great, Shmuel, the head of the Yeshiva in Nehardea. He was released and sent home.

It is difficult to imagine a society that arrests people on the grounds that they acted arrogantly. It is a proof that we are not on a level to realize the high level of spirituality of the Tannaim and Amoraim. That society had zero tolerance for phoniness, where people tried to pass themselves off for someone that was not them.

We can certainly learn from such stories as to how important it is to serve Hashem and man with great humility. We should not need to seek recognition in dishonest ways. The knowledge that we are acting in a way that is pleasing to Hashem, is all the recognition we need.

Key to Success

There is an interesting parallel between Moshe Rabbeinu and Shlomo Hamelech. Both of these great leaders merited dedicating our holy Temple.

In Moshe’s case, he dedicated the Mishkan, the portable Temple, that stood for 479 years. Shilo was the home of the Mishkan for 369 of those years.

Shlomo Hamelech dedicated his Temple in Jerusalem, that was a magnificent structure. It lasted for 410 years, before it was destroyed by Nevuchadnezzar and the Babylonians.

The similarity between Moshe and Shlomo, was the charge they gave to the people upon completion. Both gave the same reminder that applies to all of us today.

The specialness of the day would last indefinitely, and the Divine Presence would remain with the people, as long as they remembered to faithfully observe the Torah. They must never forget that their every success, depended on the realization, that success comes from Hashem.

When we make the foolish mistake that we are in control of our destiny, we fall.

The magnificent Mishkan and Temple of Solomon ultimately fell, because the people forgot this message. The more we realize our own vulnerability, the greater the chance of success.

Salvation Will Come

The story of Purim carries with it important lessons that are relevant to us today. The dialogue between Mordechai and Esther, is one example.

When Mordechai becomes aware of the evil plot of Haman to destroy all of the Jews, he sends his niece, Esther, on a critical mission. She must go to the king and plead for her people. She first expresses an unwillingness to go, for fear of being put to death. She would be defying the order of the king, to come without permission.

Mordechai tells her that perhaps this is the reason why she was chosen to be queen. And if she will not step up and fulfill her mission, salvation will come to the Jewish people via a different messenger.

This is the critical point made by Mordechai. He was confident that the Jewish people would defeat their nemesis. It was not possible that when the Jewish people were so unified in prayer and repentance, that their prayers would not be answered.

It is perfectly in order for us to have similar confidence in our ultimate victory over Hamas. Aside from the unity that still exists (despite the efforts of the media and certain opportunistic politicians), there is the incredible faith and bravery of our soldiers. The sacrifice of so many beautiful, heroic soldiers, will not be in vein. With Hashem’s help, great salvation awaits the Jewish people. We already know who the heroes are of our current struggle. It only needs to play itself out. Wouldn’t Purim be an auspicious time for us to celebrate again!

Backdrop of Purim

The two well known rabbinic holidays in the Jewish calendar are Chanukah and Purim. It is not necessarily common knowledge that the Purim story took place hundreds of years before the Chanukah story.

The events connected with Purim happened when the Jewish people were in exile. It was between the period of the first and second Temple. The Chanukah story took place during the Second Temple period in Israel.

It is important to understand the backdrop of Purim. The Jewish people were scattered all over the kingdom of Achashveirosh. The destruction of the glorious Temple of Solomon led to great devastation for the Jewish people. There is even an opinion that one million Jews were slaughtered in Jerusalem alone.

The great hope was that the prophecy of Jeremiah would come true. This exile was only meant to last for seventy years. This hope for the Jews struck fear in the hearts of the leaders of the time. Both Belshazar, the previous head of Persia, as well as Achashveirosh, were very concerned that the Jewish nation would rise again.

They both made feasts celebrating what they thought was the non-fulfillment of Jeremiah’s prophecy. They were both mistaken, as they miscalculated when the seventy years began.

It is important to understand the state of the Jewish people when Haman rose to power. His plan to annihilate all of the Jews, was exceptionally frightening, when many Jews had witnessed the horrors of the destruction of the First Temple by the Babylonians. The ultimate victory over Haman, and the celebrations that followed, made the miracle of Purim that much greater.

The mood in Israel prior to the Six Day War, was equally tense. After only twenty-two years after the Holocaust, there were cries of driving Israel into the sea. The miraculous victory in six days, with Hashem’s help, was remarkable. History repeats itself, which is why we have every reason to be optimistic of Hashem’s salvation, where the sadness and mourning will turn to joy and celebration.

The Integrity of Moshe Rabbeinu

Parshat Pekudei describes the meticulous accounting done by Moshe Rabbeinu in building the Mishkan. He attempted to show exactly how every item contributed was used, so that there would be no question regarding his integrity.

Moshe ran into some difficulty as he wasn’t exactly able to balance the books. When he compared the weight of gold that was donated with what it was used, he showed a surplus of 1775 shekels worth of gold. He was baffled as he thought that he had completely “balanced the books.”

He was helped by a Heavenly voice, known as a “Bat Kol.” This voice was heard by the masses. It reminded Moshe that he forgot to take into account the golden hooks that were used to fasten the curtains together. His problem was solved.

Later in the Torah, when Miriam spoke badly about Moshe, Hashem’s response was, בכל ביתי נאמן הוא, “In all of my house, he has been faithful.” This is seen as an affirmation of how trustworthy Moshe was.

We learn from this episode how important it is for a person in power, to take great care to maintain a reputation of integrity. Because he is in the public eye, he must not arouse any suspicion in his handling of public funds. He must also show integrity in his personal conduct, to show his worthiness of becoming a leader in Israel.

It is no coincidence that the greatest man who ever lived, was also the greatest in honesty, integrity, and humility.

Poor Judgement in Leadership

When the accounting is made of all of the Temple donations, the Torah tells us that the heads of the tribes, known as “Nesi’im,” also brought their contribution.

The commentators noticed that the spelling in Hebrew, seemed to be missing the letter, “י.” Instead of spelling it with two “Yud’s,” נשיאים, it was spelled נשאם, with no “י” at all.

This slight change in spelling carried with it a message. The heads of tribes were reprimanded for their role in the massive fund raising drive, to build the Mishkan.

They assumed that their role was to be make sure that the mission would be completed. If there would be any materials or funds that were lacking, they would make sure that everything would be covered. They saw themselves as the guarantors of the project.

Nevertheless, this was considered a bad decision on their part. As leaders of Israel, they needed to take more initiative, and set an example for the masses. They should have been the first to give and not the last.

Their attitude set an example of being passive rather than active. They needed to show how one must observe all of Hashem’s commandments with great enthusiasm and excitement.

There are many books of Mussar, discipline, that emphasize the dangers of laziness and passivity. Great intentions become ruined by the inability to get motivated. People underestimate how damaging laziness can be. Perhaps if there was such a realization of this damage, it would be much more on people’s minds, and they would overcome it.

The heads of tribes used bad judgement in their assessment of the community needs. Growth comes when we learn from our mistakes, and the mistakes of others.

The Kippa

The discussion in the Talmud regarding the validity of astrology, led to a fascinating story. A Jewish woman was told that her newborn son would grow up to be a thief. This is what was written in the stars.

The woman took this prediction very seriously. She came up with a solution to show that Jewish people can rise above the “stars.”

She told her son from a young age that he must always keep his head covered. Children at that time often went with their heads uncovered. The boy kept his mother’s wishes and grew up to become the great Rav Nachman Bar Yitzchak.

He never understood why his mother made this request of him until one day he was studying under a palm tree. His head covering blew off, and he noticed a delicious cluster of dates. He did not know what possessed him, and he bit off the cluster. He realized at that moment that he had stolen. His head covering kept him honest.

It was explained that covering the head brought protection, as it was a constant reminder of Divine protection. Later, it became an accepted custom for Jewish man to keep his head covered at all times. The “Kippa” eventually evolved as the proper head covering. The story of Rav Nachman Bar Yitzchak, was cited as the origin for wearing a Yarmulke, or Kippa.

It is clear that when one who once wore a Kippa regularly, takes it off, a lot more than the Kippa comes off with it. We can wear hats or other attire for our head, but we should take this seriously.

We must not be afraid to show that we are proud to be Jewish. Even Tevye in “Fiddler on the Roof,” mentioned the importance of this custom. He said, “We always keep our heads covered to remind us of our constant devotion to G-d.” In this crazy world of today, such reminders are very important.

Atonement for Shabbat Violation

The observance of Shabbat is one of the pillars of Judaism. It is considered the one Mitzva that has kept the Jewish people together, during our long exile. Families create a strong bond because of this special day of the week.

The fourth of the Ten Commandments is the requirement to “Remember the Sabbath day, and keep it holy.” It is obvious that this is viewed by the Torah as having great importance.

The punishments mentioned in the Torah for Shabbat violation, emphasizes how serious we must approach this day. We are told of the “gatherer of sticks,” who was put to death by stoning, for transgressing Shabbat.

It is interesting to note how the Talmud describes the accountability every Jew must have in connection with Shabbat. One who violates this holy day because of lack of knowledge is treated differently, than one who knew about these laws, but accidentally violated a particular Melacha.

The remedy during the time of the Temple, for inadvertently sinning, was the offering of a sin offering. Being that we have thirty-nine Melachot, acts that are considered, “work,” it is possible to owe more than one sin offering.

If a Jew grew up completely ignorant of his Judaism, or he only learned that he was Jewish at a later age, he is in a special category. He only owes one חטאת, sin offering, for all of the Shabbats he did not observe.

The next category is one who simply got mixed up as to the day of the week. When he realizes, it was Shabbat, he only needs one sin offering for all of the forbidden activities he did.

The final category involves an individual who knew it was Shabbat, but did not know that certain activities were forbidden. He needs to offer a separate sin-offering for each forbidden act. Being that the animal offered is a bull, he owes a lot of bull!

It is fascinating to study these detailed laws as explained by the Torah and Talmud. I have been teaching Tractate Shabbat for over two years, five days a week, and we are completing this section of Talmud this week. This demonstrates the importance of Shabbat and how much we need to learn to properly observe this pillar of Judaism.

Mazal

The Talmud at the end of Masechet Shabbat, discusses the question of the validity of reading the stars. There were many astrologers that lived during the Talmudic period, who regularly challenged Jewish scholars on the subject.

It is interesting to note that these scholars did not negate the predictions of these star gazers. They felt that it was within the power of the Jew, to overcome these predictions.

The famous story of the daughter of Rabbi Akiva was one example. He received a prediction that his daughter would die on her wedding day. Rabbi Akiva did not dismiss this as foolishness, but was very worried that this horrible prediction would come true.

The daughter was miraculously saved when she stuck her brooch in the wall. The next morning, they found that the brooch had killed the snake, that would have killed her.

She was asked by her relieved father what she had done, to merit such a miracle. She explained that during the tumult of the wedding preparations, the cries of a poor person, were heard only by her. She compassionately gave her meal to that starving individual.

Rabbi Akiva took this incident to prove that Jews can overcome “Mazal.” It also taught that acts of kindness not only save a person from an unusual death, but save the person from death itself.

The word, “Mazal” might also refer to one’s destiny. It could determine the nature of one’s children, his wealth, and length of years. But we believe that choosing a life of giving and serving Hashem sincerely, is the most effective way of making our lives far better than anything we could have imagined.

Shabbat, Temple, Honoring Parents

The Keli Yakar makes an interesting parallel between two different verses in the Torah. Both of them are in connection with Shabbat.

The first Pasuk is in Shemot that is the source for teaching the 39 Melachot, the activities forbidden on Shabbat. It begins with the words, אך את שבתותי תשמורו, “But you shall observe my Sabbaths.”

The positioning of this verse in the middle of the instructions of building the Mishkan, is to teach an additional Halacha. Despite the importance of creating a dwelling place for the Divine Presence, this must not be done on Shabbat. The holiness of this day, must not be compromised.

The parallel verse in Vayikra, is more direct. We are told that each individual should fear his mother and father, but he must also observe the Shabbat. The positioning of fearing parents and keeping Shabbat, is also for a very definite purpose. As important as it is, to treat our parents properly, this obligation is waived, if they tell us to violate Shabbat.

Therefore, we see how Shabbat outranks the building of the Temple. And Shabbat also outranks the necessity to listen to our parents.

The verse that tells us not to kindle a fire in our dwelling places, gives a subtle message about the importance of Shabbat. If we want our homes to be peaceful without strife, as represented by the “fire of discontentment,” then we need to treat this holy day of the week with the proper reverence and respect. This should be a major priority in our lives. After all, its importance outweighs even the construction of the Temple, and properly treating parents!

The Day After Yom Kippur

The Keli Yakar makes an interesting observation connected with the word, “מחרת,” meaning, “the day after.” He noted that this word was used twice.

It was mentioned in connection with Yitro’s visit to the camp. It was also mentioned regarding the appeal for materials to construct the Mishkan.

The “day after” in both cases referred to the day after Yom Kippur. The Jewish people were ready to move forward as a people. Moshe Rabbeinu had come down from Mount Sinai with the second set of tablets, and achieved full atonement for the sin of the Golden Calf.

Yom Kippur was an auspicious time, as there is solid unity on the holiest day of the year. Moshe wanted to build on this unity as they were given the task of creating a dwelling place for the Shechina, the Divine Presence.

Yitro’s contribution was that on that very day that followed Yom Kippur, he insisted that there be an efficient judicial system set up. This was very much related to the great fund raising effort that also began at that time.

In order for the Mishkan to succeed in becoming the spiritual center of the Jews in the desert, and later in Israel, it had to have, absolute purity. All gifts that were accepted had to come from individuals who gave with a generous heart. They certainly could not contribute stolen money. This was why the court system had to be in place. There was accountability as to the origin of these gifts. And there was great emphasis on not giving begrudgingly. There was an accounting of exactly where all of these gifts went.

The combination of the unity of Yom Kippur, a proper court system, and being certain of the honesty of the donors, guaranteed that this portable Temple fulfilled its role. It elevated the nation, and brought them all closer to G-d.

Ask Questions

It is always important to ask questions when we are told that we might be violating a particular Halacha. When someone tells us that something is forbidden, it is important to ask for an explanation.

“Why are you telling me that I am not allowed to do this? Is it a Torah prohibition? Maybe a Rabbinic law, or only a custom.” If that individual cannot explain why that particular law is forbidden, he has no business giving you instructions.

The correct way to analyze any Halachic question, is to first categorize it. Is it a Torah prohibition, or Rabbinic. If it is from the Torah, we must be very strict, as there is little room for compromise. If it is Rabbinic, there could be leniencies, under certain circumstances.

Often we see ignorance at play. People might get very upset about a custom, and then overlook a serious Torah prohibition.

For example, it is considered unnecessary exertion to feed a stray animal on Shabbat. This is why many feed the birds before Shabbat, when we acknowledge the birds on Parshat Beshalach, which is also Shabbat Shira. Many take this advice very seriously, and tell others not to feed the birds on that Shabbat.

These same people might own a pet, and unknowingly, might mix their pet’s food with a liquid. Such mixing could fall under the category of לישה, “Kneading dough,” which is one of the thirty-nine Melachot, that is a serious Torah violation.

The point of all of this is that it is perfectly okay and almost our obligation to ask questions. It is not only within our rights, but it will help give us a better understanding of the beautiful system of Jewish Law.

Less Materialism-More Chessed

The Messilat Yesharim of the Ramchal, makes a strong case about the dangers of materialism. He tries to explain how much we are held back spiritually, when there is too much emphasis on comforts and pampering.

The Ramchal recognized that it cannot be expected of people to completely separate from worldly pleasures. There are times when we need to treat ourselves to an occasional indulgence. A nice vacation or a visit to a restaurant, can certainly be in order. We cannot be expected to completely separate from the physical world.

However, we must realize that much of what we think we need, we really do not. The more we are able to de-emphasize these comforts, the better off we will be. Whether it is food, clothing, shopping, or other physical pleasures, there must be a conscious recognition as to whether or not, such activities are essential or not.

This allows us to make the transition towards what is really important in our lives. The materialism holds us back, and prevents us from reaching our spiritual potential. This recognition helps us realize what is temporary and fleeting, and what is permanent.

The materialism also takes away our ability to reach happiness and contentment. There is a certain frustration when we see that the joy we might feel from a physical act, does not last. We cannot wait for the next indulgence, which also does not last.

Contrast this to acts of Chessed that help the less fortunate. That feeling that we made a difference in someone’s life, lasts for a long time.

Years ago, I helped two five year olds cross the street. I gave each one of them a gift of five shekels. These children were ecstatic. They shouted, “Yay,” and ran to buy themselves a little treat. It still makes me happy thinking about how a little gesture went so far.

The Ramchal wanted us to know that if we make the effort, we can cut down on many material things, as we realize that they are not needed, and are not important. The rewards are immeasurable as we make the transition to the world of spirituality and holiness.

Showdown At Mount Carmel

The parallel Haftarah to the sin of the Golden Calf, was the confrontation of Eliyahu Hanavi and the 450 false prophets of Baal.

At that time, there were many Jews who were worshipping both Baal and Hashem. Eliyahu challenged them to a showdown at Mount Carmel. He spoke to the Jewish nation with a famous and impassioned speech. He asked the people how long they would be on both sides of the fence. He said that they needed to make up their minds. If Hashem is the true G-d, they needed to worship Him. If it’s Baal, then worship Baal.

He managed to perform a tremendous miracle by having a fire come from the Heavens that consumed only his sacrifice, that was saturated with water. The people acknowledged the miracle, and shouted, ה׳ הוא האלוקים, ה׳ הוא האלוקים, that our G-d is the only true G-d.

Often we see how it is difficult for people to make the correct transition in their lives. They may be torn between their attachment to their secular lives, and they are unable to detach from it. They want to come over to the side of holiness and spirituality, but they need a little push. There is great relief when the doubts are removed, and they realize what is important.

The story of Eliyahu Hanavi and the false prophets of Baal is encouraging. It is a sign that when we complete our current battle with Hamas, there will also be an acknowledgement the G-d is the only true G-d. With Hashem’s help, that day is coming soon.

Lessons from the Golden Calf

The sin of the Golden Calf was tragic on many levels. The Jewish people went from being on a level like angels, to falling in total disgrace.

Many commentators wrote that death would have been abolished, had this sin not occurred. The level at Mount Sinai was equivalent to that of Adam and Eve before their sin.

Many blame the Eirav Rav, the mixed multitude as being the instigators who incited the people. They convinced them that Moshe wasn’t coming back.

Aharon did his best to see if he could stall matters. He first thought that there would not be a willingness on the part of the people to give up their gold. He also tried to delay matters, as he said that there would be a holiday tomorrow.

Many do not realize that in addition to idol worship, three other grievous sins took place. They murdered Chur, the son of Miriam. They acted promiscuously as hinted by the word, לצחק, “they played,” which was a euphemism for sexual immorality. And they spoke Lashon Hara against Moshe and Aharon.

A further explanation as to the severity of the sin was the fact that despite the transition from slavery to freedom, the people should have known better. Moshe had proven himself as their faithful leader over and over again. They should have shown him loyalty, and they should not have turned against him so quickly.

There are many lessons to be learned from the sin of the Golden Calf. We are still suffering its consequences to this very day.

Moshe’s Dialogue With G-d

The Torah gives a lengthy description of the dialogue between Hashem and Moshe Rabbeinu, following the sin of the Golden Calf.

The efforts of Moshe were rewarded to such an extent that he was permitted to ask Hashem about His essence. He not only achieved atonement for the Jewish people for their sin, but he was also taught the Thirteen Attributes of Hashem, that were a means towards achieving mercy from Above, rather than strict justice.

If that wasn’t enough, we learn that Moshe also asked G-d about what would become an age old philosophical question. He wanted to know about צדיק ורע לו רשע וטוב לו. This means that it appears that the righteous suffer, while the wicked prosper.

It was explained to Moshe that the real reward for the righteous is in the World to Come. This refers to eternal pleasure, in line with all of the individual’s efforts to do good, during his lifetime.

Moshe was reminded that at the end of the day, when all is said and done, there will be perfect justice for each individual. We only need to be reminded that G-d’s ways are not understood by man. This justice will come according to Hashem’s terms, not man’s.

Moshe learned a great deal in his quest to achieve atonement for his people. These lessons need to be learned by each and every Jew.

The Individual and the Nation

The Mitzva of the donation of the half Shekel for Temple expenses, carried with it an important message.

Aside from it being a method of taking an annual census, and being a means towards covering Temple maintenance, it stressed the specialness of each individual.

There is a balance that we are to maintain between remaining humble, and not considering ourselves as insignificant. The Rabbis tell us that a person should say, בשבילי נברא העולם, that the world was created for me.

We have an obligation to contribute to the world with the G-d given faculties that we possess. The מחצית השקל, the half Shekel was given by every male Jew, whether rich or poor. Each Jew is significant in his own way.

We blend in such a way that we are a family-nation, but we must retain our unique individuality. Some complain that religious Jews are too standardized, and the masses are satisfied following what others may do. It may give a sense of security, but it also might hold back full self expression.

The Keli Yakar tells us that we were compared to the stars in the sky to point out that just as each star is special, each individual is special as well. We are also compared to the sand of the sea, to teach us that we must not remain separate, but we must blend in with the nation of Israel, and feel that we are part of this great people.

We should constantly strive to go higher and higher in our worship of Hashem and the Torah. We can best achieve this by maintaining balances. We must maintain humility but not stop trying to achieve all of our potential. And we must embrace our own individuality, just as we embrace and appreciate being part of Am Yisrael.

Chana and Eli

The Urim Ve’tumim were considered a type of adornment to the breastplate worn by the Kohein Hagadol.

The Rambam describes it as magical in its nature. When the High Priest wished to get a direct message from Hashem as to what Israel was supposed to do, certain letters lit up on the Choshen. It was the task of the Kohein Hagadol to unscramble the letters.

On one occasion, all of the letters of the name “Yehuda,” lit up. Four more letters lit up spelling the word, יעלה. The interpretation was that the tribe of Yehuda shall go up (Ya’aleh) and fight the enemy.

The Vilna Gaon had an original interpretation of what took place in the dialogue between Chana and the Kohein Hagadol, Eli. He consulted the אורים ותומים to find out why Chana was swaying in such an extreme manner. The letters ש כ ר ה, lit up. Eli thought the letters שכרה spelled “Shikora,” meaning that she was drunk, ( as in the Yiddish word, “Shikkur”).

When Eli reprimanded Chana for coming into the Temple intoxicated, she accused him of not possessing the Holy Spirit. She told him that he did not unscramble the four letters correctly. The word was meant to spell, כשרה, that she was like Sarah Imeinu. She was praying desperately for a son, just as our Mother Sarah did.

Eli apologized for misjudging her, and blessed her that she be granted a son. A year later, the great Prophet Shmuel was born.

This is yet another example of the brilliance of the Vilna Gaon.

Rashi’s Inspiration

Rashi, Rav Shlomo Yitzchaki, is known as one of the greatest commentators on the Torah. Occasionally, he will use the words, ליבי אומר לי, “My heart is telling me.”

This would be a kind of admission that he is using his intuition in explaining a verse in the Torah.

He used this language in explaining what the apron of the Kohein Hagadol looked like. A story is told that Rashi was once walking along the road, when a noblewoman rode past him on a horse.

Rashi wondered why he was meant to witness this scene specifically when he was walking. At first, he thought there was a message that he needed to correct some kind of personal flaw by seeing something immodest.

He then realized that Hashem was helping him with his commentary. When the noblewoman rode by, he saw that the dress she wore, had criss crossed straps on her back. He now understood that this must have been the way the Kohein Hagadol wore his apron. It was criss crossed in the back!

This also explains why in this specific case, that he prefaced his commentary with the words, “my heart is telling me.” Or in Hebrew, ליבי אומר לי.

Why Aharon Was Chosen Over Moshe

The Torah describes the initiation of Aharon as the Kohein Hagadol, the High Priest of Israel. There are commentators who felt that Moshe Rabbeinu was disappointed that he was not given this position.

Clearly, the relationship between the two brothers, was most admirable. There was genuine love between them and no jealousy. Aharon had no problem that his younger brother was chosen to be the equivalent of the king of Israel. The appointment of Aharon, was more a question of curiosity rather than sour grapes.

The Maggid of Dubnov tried to explain the reason for this appointment. The role of the Kohein Hagadol, and all Kohanim, for that matter, was to bring atonement to the people of Israel. In order to do this, the people needed to feel that they could relate to the Kohein.

There was a need to feel comfortable enough to confess their sins, so that the Kohein would help the process via sacrifices and repentance. Aharon was more of a regular guy than Moshe. He was more easily approachable and perhaps, more down to earth than Moshe. It was known to all, that Aharon needed his own atonement for his role in the making of the Golden Calf.

Moshe Rabbeinu was on such a high level that he even needed to wear a veil, because of the holiness that radiated from him. He was in constant contact with Hashem, pleading for his people. The loftiness of Moshe, made him less approachable than his brother. This is why Aharon got the job, and not Moshe, according to the Maggid.

There are times when we are captivated by the scholar who commands huge audiences to hear his Torah. People are moved by such speakers. But such people may not be as approachable as the teacher that connects with his students on a more personal level.

Both types of educators are beneficial, as we can learn a great deal from both. Moshe had his special role in leading the people. But Aharon’s role was equally important in helping the masses get closer to Hashem.