Parshat Shmini 5778
Rabbi Jablinowitz
We read in the beginning of this week’s parsha the Avodah on Rosh Chodesh Nisan, the eighth day after the seven days of the Milu’im. Moshe tells Aharon to come forward in order to do the service and he says to him (Chapter 9, Pasuk 7) Kerav el Ha’Mizbeach, come close to the Mizbeach. Rashi teaches on these words that Moshe is convincing a hesitant Aharon to come forward. Lamah Atah Bosh, Lekach Nivchartah, Why are you embarrassed, you were chosen for this task!
The Sfas Emes teaches that there are those who explain the words of Rashi to mean, it is for the trait of embarrassment that you were chosen for the task. Moshe is telling Aharon that since you are one who does not search for honor or position, it is particularly appropriate that you were chosen. Your shyness makes you the perfect candidate!
Bushah, which is the ability to feel embarrassed, is a trait which is specifically carried by Bnei Yisrael. The Gemara in Yevamos 79A explains that Clal Yisrael have three traits which indicate who they are. They are Rachmanim, Bayshanim, and Gomlei Chasadim. The traits of Clal Yisrael are being compassionate, doing acts of kindness, and possessing the ability to be embarrassed in the appropriate situations.
The Sfas Emes explains that we can also explain that the act of being chosen is what causes the bushah. This character trait of Bnei Yisrael was acquired at Har Sinai. The pasuk says right after Matan Torah (Shmos, Chapter 20, Pasuk 17) U’Va’avur Tihyeh Yiraso al Peneichem L’Vilti Secheta’u, In order that the fear of Gd should be on your face so that you do not sin. The Gemara in Yevamos brings this pasuk as the source for the trait of bushah. It was the result of being at Har Sinai and experiencing the Revelation of Gd which produced this fear and subsequent bushah. Having experienced such closeness makes it difficult and embarrassing to do an aveirah. It was the result of being chosen by Hashem that created the bushah for Clal Yisrael.
Aharon is described in the Mishnah in Avos as (Chapter 1, Mishnah 12) Oheiv es Ha’Briyos U’Mekarvan L’Torah. He loved people and brought them close to Torah. The Rav M’Bartenurah explains in the name of Avos D’Rabbi Natan how he brought people close to Torah. When people sinned, he would bring them close to him and be friendly so that they would be embarrassed from their sinning and do Teshuvah.
Similalry, Midah K’neged Midah, Hashem brought Aharon close to him and gave him the position of Kohen Gadol. And this caused Aharon to be embarrassed and not want to come forward. As Rashi teaches, Lamah Atah Bosh, Lekach Nivchartah. And just as the bushah experienced by those that Aharon brought close enabled them to do Teshuvah, similarly the bushah of Aharon also created a sheleimus and an ability to take on the position of Kohen Gadol. For only one who understands his smallness in relation to Gd, as Bnei Yisrael experienced at Har Sinai, can perform mitzvoth and not sin. Similarly, when Aharon felt the bushah, it made him the appropriate candidate for Kohen Gadol.
Therefore, both aspects are true. Being chosen creates a bushah, a shyness and an understanding of one’s insignificance in relation to Gd. And it is the midah of bushah that enabled Aharon to take on the position of authority of Kohen Gadol.
Good Shabbos
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