אהרן הכהן

When Moshe stood at the burning bush and refused the mission out of humility, God gave him his elder brother Aharon as a mouth: 'he will see you and rejoice in his heart' (Exodus 4). This is the secret of Aharon's greatness. His younger brother was chosen for a leadership that might have been his own, and he truly rejoiced in his heart, without a shadow of envy.

Aharon was a full partner in the redemption, standing with Moshe before Pharaoh, his staff turning into a serpent and into blood. He was not subordinate to Moshe but at his side.

Then came the hardest moment of his life: the sin of the golden calf. The people pressed him, Chur was killed, and Aharon, out of love of peace and a wish to prevent a greater catastrophe, tried to buy time, 'a festival to the Lord tomorrow' (Exodus 32). This was his failure, and yet the priesthood was not taken from him, for his heart was whole.

Aharon was sanctified as High Priest, and at the dedication of the Tabernacle fire came down from heaven upon his offering (Leviticus 9). On that very day, in the moment of joy, his two sons Nadav and Avihu died, 'and Aharon was silent.' His silence before the tragedy is among the great acts of strength in Scripture.

When the rebellion of Korach was raised against him, God gave a sign: Aharon's staff alone blossomed and gave almonds among all the tribal staffs (Numbers 17), Heaven's seal on his election. He prevailed not through argument but through a quiet blossoming.

At his death on Mount Hor the priestly garments were removed from him and placed on his son Elazar (Numbers 20), and the priesthood passed on in peace from generation to generation. And the whole house of Israel, men and women, wept for him thirty days, more than for Moshe, because Aharon made peace between people.

'Hillel says: be of the disciples of Aharon, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving people and bringing them near to Torah' (Pirkei Avot 1:12). To this day the priests, the sons of Aharon, bless us with the blessing of peace.