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The Netivot Shalom asks a simple, strong question: is it surprising for Aharon to have been embarrassed, considering his not small part in the enormous sin? The gemara (Avoda Zara 4b) states that Bnei Yisrael sinned in order to teach the power of repentance. In other words, the sin of the Golden Calf was Divinely ordained and was not a product of free choice. The Netivot Shalom posits that the preventable sin, which justified the punishment, was not the making of the calf but the fact that they rejoiced thereafter and were not reviled by the sin. Since Aharon did not take part in the rejoicing, he had not sinned with the calf itself and needed not be embarrassed by it.
He goes on to cite the statement of Rav Chaim Vital, based on the above statement, that Aharon was chosen specifically because he was embarrassed. While this is a sign of humility, the Torah tells us that Moshe was the most humble person, so why did Aharon, not Moshe, receive the honor to serve in the Mishkan? The Netivot Shalom answers based on the following analysis. A person may be humble before Hashem because he is fully aware of His glory and palpably feels his inadequacy in relation to Him or due to a feeling of internal inadequacy which lowers one's self-image. Moshe, the greatest prophet ever, possessed the first type of humility. Aharon, who took fuller responsibility for his part in the Golden Calf than he needed to, lowered his self-image to the point of being broken with remorse. A "broken spirit" is the key to bringing korbanot to Hashem, and especially regarding sin offerings, making Aharon the optimal kohen.
One can add that Aharon's humility in this regard has another dimension. The nation, on whatever level, sinned and needed atonement. Aharon maximized his responsibility in their need for atonement. So too, a kohen is exposed to sinners who need to take responsibility. As a leader in the nation, charged among other things with education and atonement, the kohen should feel a part in the collective sin. He should work with dedication and humility, not to gloat over the sinner, but to lead him back, whether it be with the ashes of the red heifer, the sin offering, or words of advice and encouragement that help one return to the proper path.
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)
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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)
