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Regarding Aharon’s sons, it says, “I will be sanctified through those who
are close to Me.” This implies that their deaths caused a kiddush Hashem.
From the words of Chazal we learn that the fire that Aharon’s sons lit was
considered an unnecessary contribution, which ultimately detracted from
their service. Therefore, Hashem caused them to die so that as a result of
their deaths, His Name would be sanctified. This would atone for their
diminishing Hashem’s honor by lighting an alien fire.

There are two ways in which to sanctify Hashem’s Name; either through
punishment by death, or by going in His ways. This is as David Hamelech
states, “Even today, if we but heed His call.” Likewise, David Hamelech
warns us not to repeat the error of Moshe Rabbeinu, who hit the rock
instead of talking to it and was ultimately punished for it.

The punishment of Moshe Rabbeinu resulted in a great kiddush Hashem.
Am Yisrael realized that there is a Judge Who implements justice, and
every person, even the greatest tzaddik, must ultimately give an
accounting for his deeds. Regarding this, David Hamelech says in
Tehillim, “Do not harden your heart as at Merivah, as on the day of
Massah in the Wilderness.”

It says, “Better one hour of repentance and good deeds in this world than
the entire life of the World to Come.” This world is the world of activity,
whereas the World to Come is the world of reward. This world is
preferable to the World to Come since a person can only fulfill mitzvot in
this world, and all the more so, because one can acquire his share in the
World to Come in just an hour. 26347-EYAL-6BOOKS - 26347-Vaikra-EYAL | 8 - B | 18-08-19 | 15:24:55 | SR:-- | Black 26347-EYAL-6BOOKS - 26347-Vaikra-EYAL | 8 - B | 18-08-19 | 15:24:55 | SR:-- | Cyan 26347-EYAL-6BOOKS - 26347-Vaikra-EYAL | 8 - B | 18-08-19 | 15:24:55 | SR:-- | Magenta #26347-EYAL-6BOOKS - 26347-Vaikra-EYAL | 8

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