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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.
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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.
