Community Torah Corner, February 11, 2022

Rabbi James Proops
Synagogue of the Suburban Torah Center
Livingston, NJ
Parashat Tetzaveh

Strangely Moshe’s name is not mentioned at all in this week’s parsha of Tetzaveh, which describes in detail the garments of the Kohanim. One reason suggested is that, originally Moshe was intended to be the Kohen Gadol, while his brother Aharon would serve as Levi. However, when Moshe initially declined to lead the Jewish people to freedom, at his conversation with God at the Burning Bush, Hashem took away the priesthood from Moshe and gave it to Aharon.
Rashi, in his comments there, reveals that Moshe resisted the role of leader because until then, Aharon had been the leader of the Jews and Moshe worried that his appointment would be disrespectful to Aharon. Hashem, however, designated him leader nonetheless and because of Moshe's reluctance, despite his good intentions, he lost the Kehuna forever and his name is omitted from the parsha of Kohanim.
We might suspect that Moshe regretted his actions, having lost the prestigious opportunity to be Kohen Gadol and maybe even resented it, however we see that Moshe actually rejoiced at his brother’s opportunity.
In Tehillim (133: 1-2) King David writes, "Hiney mah tov u'mah na'im, sheves achim gam yachad... - Behold, how good and how pleasant is the dwelling of brothers in unity. Like the precious oil upon the head running down upon the beard, the beard of Aharon, running down over his garments...." The medrash comments on why the word ‘beard’ is repeated, stating, "When Moshe saw the oil of consecration running down Aharon's beard, he rejoiced as if it was running down his own beard.” So we see that not only did Moshe not resent his brother's promotion, but on the contrary, Aharon's joy was Moshe's joy.
It is not always easy to rejoice in another’s success, but may we all learn from Moshe to be truly happy when our siblings or friends succeed.
Shabbat Shalom.
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