YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Vayikra
- Shmini
The answer seems to be that it was specifically the assumption that the calculations were based on that was the problem. Aharon should have realized that as bad as things could get, Bnei Yisrael could not have reached such a low level that they were hopeless, as the nation has an inner sanctity that does not allow a total moral collapse. In fact, had Aharon opposed their desire to sin from that positive perspective, they could not have stood up to his persuasion.
Chazal learn from a "play on words" on the pasuk "I will place them as heads" (Devarim 1:13) that the fault of the people lies at the hands of its leaders (Sifrei, Devarim 13). This is surprising, as it is not always clear that there is anything that leaders can do to rectify matters. It is understood according to our thesis, for the leaders should believe that the people’s shortcomings are external, not internal. This lack of belief allows the nation to deteriorate further. However, this responsibility of the leaders does not prevent someone like Aharon from bringing his own sacrifice and receiving atonement. The Rabbis learn from "asher nasi yechetah" (Vayikra 4:22) that the generation whose leaders admit mistakes are fortunate (ashrei). One should not concede to spiritual deterioration of any type but should act to reverse it.
From this perspective we can say that, to a certain extent, the stumbling of a tzaddik is a facilitated fall to sin so that he can instruct the people by example how to repent. When people see that he is able to admit sin and return to the correct path, others will learn from him. This is why Moshe told Aharon that he should not be embarrassed. He should admit his mistake and in this way restore the nation’s moral self-confidence and give them the strength to repent.
This is the idea of "Do your sin offering and your olah offering and bring atonement on your behalf and the behalf of the people, and do the offering of the nation and bring atonement for them" (Vayikra 9:7).
Army and War "If Haredim Should Serve in the IDF, So Should You"
IDF Service for Young Jewish Men from America
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.
