S.A.L.T. - Friday

As we know from Parashat Tetzaveh and Parashat Tzav, throughout the seven-day inauguration of the mishkan, Moshe, rather than Aharon, functioned as kohen. He performed the ceremonies reserved for the high priest, while Aharon, during this week, acted as the "ba'alim," the one bringing the sacrifice. On the final, eighth day, described in Parashat Shemini (which is named after this day), Aharon assumes his position as kohen gadol. Moshe bids his brother, "Approach the altar, and sacrifice your sin offering and your burnt offering… " (9:7). Once and for all, Aharon is now the one tending to the offering of the sacrifices.

Citing the Midrash, Rashi informs us of Aharon's initial hesitation before approaching the altar to assume his new role: "Aharon was embarrassed and afraid. Moshe then told him, 'Why are you embarrassed?  For this you were chosen!'"  Curiously, Rashi attributes two reactions to Aharon but records Moshe's wonderment regarding only the first. Aharon felt "embarrassed and afraid," but Moshe questions only Aharon's embarrassment. Why?

The Ketav Sofer suggests that these two feelings experienced by Aharon were of two entirely different natures. First, he harbored general feelings of fear that come naturally to a humble person before assuming a high-profile position. He felt uncomfortable with the honor and grandeur showered upon him as part of his new job. His embarrassment, however, had to do with the specific issue of the golden calf. As he emerged as the top religious official in the nation, the stain on his record - his involvement in the construction of the golden calf - seems starker than ever. At this momentous occasion, Aharon sensed both general discomfort with his newfound notoriety as well as particular shame over his recent folly.

In response to his brother's hesitation, Moshe bids Aharon to eliminate his feelings of embarrassment: "for this you have been chosen."  When summoned for a given responsibility, an individual must consider his overall credentials rather than specific accomplishments and failures of the past. Previous mishaps do not necessarily disqualify one from a distinguished position. Moshe did not, however, question his brother's "fear."  The general intimidation from leadership, the fear of the arrogance and exaggerated feelings of superiority that often accompany the higher ranks, is both appropriate and commendable. Moshe welcomed Aharon's hesitation insofar as it resulted from his genuine humility. He did, however, reject his brother's embarrassment as far as the golden calf was concerned. Aharon's error of the past did not render him unworthy of his present position. He was chosen for this job on account of his superior qualities. Moshe thus bids his brother to approach the altar and humbly assume the position of kohen gadol.

*****************

<<PREVIOUS DAY'S SALT     NEXT DAY'S SALT>>

Our SALT Archives house nearly two decades of divrei Torah. Click here.  
More recent SALTs can be found by searching for SALT in our Advanced Search box, along with the parsha name. See below for an example.