Sicha, Shabbos Parshas Masei 5744
Sicha, Shabbos Parshas Matos-Masei 5735
The First Yahrtzeit in the Torah
The Torah marks the Yahtzeit of Aaron Hakohen, on the first of Av (Source 1). The Rebbe asks, why does the Torah mention this Yahrtzeit, and exclude all others?
The midrash describes Aaron’s efforts to make peace between people (Source 2). This was behavior unique to Aaron, in contrast with other figures in the Torah who didn’t always get along with everyone, and therefore Aaron merited for his Yahrtzeit to be mentioned. Additionally, because his passing had such an affect on the Jewish people, it is plausible that on that day next year the people gathered to mark the occasion and grow in his ways.
‘Be a Student of Aaron’
Ethics of the Fathers exhorts us to “Be a student of Aaron; pursue peace … ” (Source 3)
The Rebbe asks:
- If the objective is to be a “lover of peace,” why does it matter that aaron was one? When the mishnah tells us to study Torah regularly, does it cite Moses’ conduct?
- Acting in a way that contradicts peace is against the Torah; why does loving peace fall into the category of “beyond the letter of the law?”
In chapter 32 of Tanya, the Alter Rebbe extolls the virtue of loving our fellow Jews, even people are may not be righteous. The Alter Rebbe cites this mishnah, and highlights various aspects of it (Source 4).
The Rebbe asks:
- The relevant section of the mishnah seems to be “Love the creatures and bring them close to Torah,” that one should also love those who are only “creatures.” Why does the Alter Rebbe add “Be a student of Aaron; pursue peace?”
- The mishnah says “Hillel says” but the Alter Rebbe cites him as Hillel the Elder. Why?
The Unique Peace of Aaron
The midrash tells another story of Aaron that illustrates his love of Jews; how he would engage sinners and influence them to change their ways (Source 5). This conduct is not part of the biblical obligation to love a fellow Jews; it falls under the rubric of “acts of piety.” That’s why the mishnah tells us to be a student of Aaron – because his conduct was a way of life, which requires one to be his “student.” Hillel said this mishnah, and Hillel’s conduct was similar. The Talmud recounts a story of a gentil who approached Hillel wishing to convert on the condition that he could become a high priest … Hillel brought him closer and converted him (Source 6).
Now we can understand why the Alter Rebbe quoted “Be a student of Aaron,” because it is from Aaron’s conduct we learn to engage even the sinners. This is why the Alter Rebbe refers to Hillel the Elder, a dignified title, to give credence to his opinion in favor of Shammai’s opinion.
Story: Story: Honoring a “Heretic” in the Synagogue?
