Rabbi Yisrael Baal Shem Tov zt”l on Parshat Shemini
(from Baal Shem Tov Al HaTora, quoting the Degel Machanei Efraim)
Approach the Altar

On the day of the dedication of the Mishkan, Moshe tells Aharon, "Approach the altar (kerav el hamizbeiach) and make your sin offering and burnt offering . . ." Rashi explains that Aharon (because of his involvement in the sin of the Golden Calf) was embarrassed before G-d and afraid to approach the altar. Moshe then told him, "Go, for this you were chosen."

According to the conventional understanding of this Rashi, despite Aharon's embarrassment, Moshe reassured him that he was chosen by G-d to serve as the Kohen. This leaves us with a question, though. How does Moshe's reassurance help Aharon deal with his embarrassment? Is not being chosen for such a lofty task despite his involvement in the Golden Calf the source of his embarrassment?

The Arizal, quoted by the Baal Shem Tov zt"l, has a different reading of this Rashi. Moshe tells Aharon, "For this - because you are embarrassed by your sin and have a contrite heart and fear of G-d - you were chosen as the Kohen Gadol." The verse says, "The offerings of G-d are a broken spirit (Tehillim 51:19)." G-d chose Aharon as his Kohen Gadol, the one to approach Him for forgiveness on behalf of all of Israel, because of his extreme humility.

[This relates to an anecdote ascribed to Rabbi Yisrael Salanter, zt"l. A certain shochet (ritual slaughterer) approached Rabbi Salanter, saying, "I don't want to continue with shechita. I'm constantly worried about making a mistake and rendering the animal unkosher. The responsibility is awesome." Rabbi Salanter replied, "So who do you want to serve as the slaughterer, someone who is not worried?"]

[prepared by Eliezer Kwass]

from Classic Divrei Torah on Parshat Shavua
Print Version of http://www.darchenoam.org/articles/web/parsha/ar_shemini.htm
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