March 28, 2019 / 21 Adar II, 5779 • Parshat Shemini
Issue 554
Dedicated in loving memory of Mrs. Miriam Friedman

Consummate Humility

Moses and Aaron came out of the Sanctuary and blessed the people 

Leviticus 9:23

It was only as a result of the combined efforts of Moses and Aaron that the Divine presence descended upon the Tabernacle -- and thereby upon the Jewish people in general. Aaron performed all the sacrificial rites, but Moses instructed Aaron how to perform them.

These were their roles:

Aaron embodied the trait of brotherly love. As the Talmudic sage Hillel instructs us, "Be of the disciples of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving your fellow creatures and drawing them close to the Torah." Moses' role was to convey G-d's teachings to the people, which included teaching Aaron how to love others.

From this we learn that the key to constructing our own Tabernacle -- i.e., to making our own lives into a home for G-d, wherein G-d's presence can be revealed -- is loving our fellow Jews as G-d instructs us in His Torah.

--From Kehot's

Daily Wisdom #2