Page 41 - HaMizrachi #33 Sukkot 2021 USA

Our
Ushpizi

aharon

Pursuing Peace

Rabbi Shmuel Kagan

ne of my most cherished acts and bring Jews closer to Torah out of refine each other’s understanding. A
as a Jew is standing by the sincere love for and devotion to the husband and wife can mend their rela-
Aron HaKodesh in front of the people. The Rabbis are deeply moved tionship by highlighting their deep love
OTorah scrolls, with my tallit by Aharon’s love for Am Yisrael, and for each other while recognizing and
draped over half my body, repeating the encourage the entire nation to learn embracing their differences. Aharon
ancient bracha of the Kohanim. With my from his example, to not only love inspired peace by teaching Am Yisrael to
eyes closed, hands outstretched, and peace but to pursue it as well (Pirkei respect and accept each others’ differ-
my mind focused on the congregation Avot 1:12). Kohanim, in particular, must ences, for it is our different strengths
standing in front of me, I consider their follow Aharon’s example; the bracha and abilities that enable the nation of
needs and how Hashem has endowed recited by Kohanim before they duchen Israel to be whole.
my tribe with the great privilege of adjures them to bless the people “with
channeling His blessings. What makes love.” The Midrash (Vayikra Rabba 30:12)
us Kohanim special is not what we, per- famously explains that each of the four
sonally, have accomplished, but rather Aharon was promoted to a position of species, the arba’a minim, represents a
the extraordinary character and deeds authority, but he used that position to different type of Jew. On Sukkot, we
of our ancestor Aharon, one of the serve the people. His descendants step bind them all together, reminding
seven Ushpizin with whom we share up to the platform not to raise them- us of our shared identity despite our
our sukkah. selves in haughtiness but to become differences. The Talmud (Sukkah 27b)
conduits of Heavenly blessing from on
Aharon was kadosh (holy), separated high. And so Am Yisrael was grateful, tells us that all of Israel should dwell
from the rest of the Jewish people not jealous, of Aharon because they in a single sukkah. Such a sukkah’s size
because of his designation as a priest. knew he was using his power for their is beyond comprehension, but can you
There is a mitzvah to honor Kohanim benefit. imagine such diverse people all feeling
(Vayikra 21:8), and Kohanim are subject at home under one roof? I believe that
to greater restrictions than the rest of The Gemara tells us in numerous this would be the sukkah of Aharon
the Jewish people, including restric- places that Torah scholars are called HaKohen’s dreams. May we merit to
tions on whom they can marry and “builders” because they bring peace to sit there together with him!
what they can touch. Despite these the world. Superficially, this seems like
regulations on their conduct, the a misplaced compliment; every page
unique status of the Kohanim can lead of the Talmud is filled with arguments
to jealousy, the most notable case being among Torah scholars! All Batei Midrash
that of Korach, who rebelled against are full of Torah students arguing and
Aharon’s elevated position (Bamid- shouting at each other! Is it really pos-
bar 16). Nevertheless, the Torah tells sible to say that Torah scholars bring
us that all of Am Yisrael mourned for peace to the world?
Aharon (Bamidbar 20:29). While many In truth, real peace, real shalom, is not
followers naturally resent those who accomplished when everyone agrees
lead them, the people of Israel deeply with each other. Real shalom requires
loved and honored Aharon. What made shleimut, completeness; it is the har- Rabbi Shmuel Kagan is the Rabbi of Bnei
Aharon so special? Akiva South Africa, the Mashgiach Ruchani
mony achieved when each person or and manager of the Mizrachi University
Rashi explains that all of Israel creation fulfills its unique role. When Kollel, and a Kodesh teacher at Yeshiva Col-
mourned for Aharon because he would Torah scholars argue in order to clar- lege High School in Johannesburg. He will
make peace between husband and wife ify G-d’s will, their opposing opinions be making Aliyah with his family in January.

| 41