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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.
Various Rabbis
Various Rabbis including those of of Yeshivat Bet El, such as Rabbi Chaim Katz, Rabbi Binyamin Bamberger and Rabbi Yitzchak Greenblat and others.
Moreshet Shaul Moreshet Shaul: A Crown and its Scepter – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 294-5
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
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.
