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What made Aharon’s lack of jealousy so laudable that it warranted such a reward? Rav Neventzal, in his sichot, shows that even for a person of Aharon’s moral stature, erasing feelings of self-interest is special. When Moshe doubted Bnei Yisrael’s belief in redemption, Hashem took him to task, giving him (short-lived) leprosy (ibid.:16 & Shabbat 97a). Yet, when Moshe feared that Aharon would be jealous, he was reassured, not rebuked.We see, says R. Neventzal, that Moshe had reason to expect that Aharon would be somewhat sad when losing part of his stature. In truth, before dying, Aharon was rewarded to see his honor transferred to his son (Bamidbar 20:28), so some personal or family pride must have had a place in even his pure heart.
We should remember that even great people are human. Chazal’s comment that one should love Hashem with both inclinations, even the evil one (see Rashi on Devarim 6:4), applies even to the righteous. A person’s greatness is not to lack ambitions but to channel them to noble causes. Without ambitions, it would require superhuman strength of character to succeed. Hashem asks us to strive to be the best that we can humanly be, not to be angels. Aharon was the prototype of a rav who was similar to an angel (see Moed Kattan 17a). That is an achievement to be marveled at, not taken for granted. Aharon was deeply happy in his heart for Moshe not because he couldn’t care less if he (or his sons) would merit significant greatness, but because he trained himself to be happy for others, as well.
By saying that the choshen mishpat was a reward for Aharon’s unusual good-heartedness, we imply that someone else would otherwise have been Kohen Gadol. Indeed, Moshe was originally slated for the job but lost it to Aharon (Zevachim 102a). How hard it must have been to lose that sacred role! Actually, since Aharon showed his brother how to be fully happy in one’s heart for another’s gain, even at one’s own "expense," it was easier for Moshe to overcome the human tendency toward disappointment.
We should expect one who has been passed over for some important role or happy tiding to feel some pain, and we should be sensitive to it. Our Maker made us all human. We should appreciate when the slighted person deals with the situation maturely and positively. This will also make it easier for us to be fully happy for him when Divine Providence improves their lot.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
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Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
