Moshe and Aharon

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1. Who Is Honoured?

   Rabbi Jonathan Sacks

   Tetzaveh is the only parsha from the beginning of Exodus to the end of Deuteronomy, that does not contain the word “Moses”. For once Moses, the hero, the leader, the liberator, the lawgiver, is offstage. Instead our focus is on his elder brother Aaron who, elsewhere, is often in the background. Indeed virtually the whole parsha is devoted to the role Moses did not occupy, except briefly – that of priest in general, high priest in particular.

   Why so? Is there any larger significance to the absence of Moses from this passage? Through an analysis of sibling relationships throughout Genesis we can learn about the unique Moshe- Aharon relationship and appreciate the role that humility plays in a healthy sibling relationship. It was precisely the fact that Aaron did not envy his younger brother but instead rejoiced in his greatness that made him worthy to be High Priest. Therefore, just as Aaron made space for his younger brother to lead, so the Torah makes space for Aaron to lead. That is why Aaron is the hero of Tetzaveh: for once, not overshadowed by Moses.

    

   This article is part of the Covenant & Conversation series.

   To read more from Rabbi Sacks or to subscribe to his mailing list, please visit http://www.rabbisacks.org/. You can also follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

2. Who Is Honoured? (Audio)

   Rabbi Jonathan Sacks | 9 minutes

   Tetzaveh is the only parsha from the beginning of Exodus to the end of Deuteronomy, that does not contain the word “Moses”. For once Moses, the hero, the leader, the liberator, the lawgiver, is offstage. Instead our focus is on his elder brother Aaron who, elsewhere, is often in the background. Indeed virtually the whole parsha is devoted to the role Moses did not occupy, except briefly – that of priest in general, high priest in particular.

   Why so? Is there any larger significance to the absence of Moses from this passage? Through an analysis of sibling relationships throughout Genesis we can learn about the unique Moshe- Aharon relationship and appreciate the role that humility plays in a healthy sibling relationship. It was precisely the fact that Aaron did not envy his younger brother but instead rejoiced in his greatness that made him worthy to be High Priest. Therefore, just as Aaron made space for his younger brother to lead, so the Torah makes space for Aaron to lead. That is why Aaron is the hero of Tetzaveh: for once, not overshadowed by Moses.

    

   This lecture is part of the Covenant & Conversation series.

   To read more from Rabbi Sacks or to subscribe to his mailing list, please visit http://www.rabbisacks.org/. You can also follow him on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. 

3. The Yahrzeit and Character of Aharon HaKohen

   Rabbi Binyamin Tabory | 16 minutes

   In this shiur, we focus on the character of Aharon in the Chumash and in the midrash. We begin by taking a look at the Torah's first presentation of Aharon, a man who rejoices for his brother even though it meant that he himself would play second fiddle. We learn about Moshe as well, as we continue to analyze contrast between Moshe and Aharon, who exemplify different -and sometimes- opposing values: Moshe represents absolute truth, and Aharon represents peace and hessed (lovingkindness). Their interaction exemplifies the verse in Tehillim (Psalms 85:11) about these different values embracing.

4. In Response to Death

   Rabbanit Sharon Rimon

   What is the nature of Aharon’s reaction to the deaths of his sons, and of the exchange between Moshe and Aharon? What is the significance of Aharon’s silence? Through a close examination of the episode we can understand these responses and come to a realization that these deaths may have been necessary in order to teach the nation the proper caution and respect towards God's sanctity.  The connection between "mortals hewn of material substances" and Divine sanctity requires a special Divine service; it involves special rules.  Any deviation from these rules is dangerous, but drawing closer in accordance with the rules is truly part of God's will.  It is this that instills man with power and sanctity, raising him up and completing him.

5. Shemini - Moshe's Sharp Words with the New Kohanim

   Rabbi David Silverberg

6. Three Incidents of Moshe's Anger

   Rabbi David Silverberg

7. Aharon and the Aftermath of the Deaths of Nadav and Avihu: A Logical or Emotional Response?

   Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell

   תאריך פרסום: תש"ע | | 19 minutes

   After the deaths of Nadav and Avihu, Moshe becomes angry at Aharon for not eating the meat of the Korban Hattat (sin offering). Aharon's response is that it would be inappropriate to eat the meat of the Hattat under today’s circumstances.

   What is Aharon trying to say? Is it a rational response, logically reasoning that he should not be eating "atonement meat" on a day where it seems clear that he has not received atonement? Or is there a different explanation? We look at the contents of Parashat Shemini, especially the aftermath of the deaths of Nadav and Avihu to explain why an emotional response superceding Torah law would be an inappropriate response here.

    

8. Shmini: Comforting Cousins

   Rabbi Jay Kelman

9. Chukat: Unbelievable!

   Rabbi Jay Kelman

10. Bamidbar: Who Cares About Genealogy?

    Rabbi David Fohrman |

    In Parshat Bamidbar, we read a genealogy of the families of the nation of Israel - but isn't that kind of boring? In this video, we get a closer insight into some strange verses about Aaron's family, and Rabbi Fohrman gives us insight into what it truly means to be a teacher.

     

    If you enjoyed this video, please visit AlephBeta.org to watch more.

11. Parshat Shemot Part 6: Moshe and Aaron's First Meeting with Pharaoh: Disaster and Despair

    Dr. Yael Ziegler | 36 minutes

    This final podcast of Parshat Shemot describes the initial stages of Moshe’s mission- the meeting between Moshe and Aharon, the exhibition of the signs, and their clash with Pharaoh and the nation.  

    Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com

12. Parshat Vaera Part 3: Aaron and Moshe Come Before Pharaoh: The Staff and the Snake

    Dr. Yael Ziegler | 26 minutes

    The beginning of Chapter 7 describes God’s response to Moshe’s objections. This podcast discusses this discourse, as well as the purpose behind the staff stick as a prelude to the plagues.  

    Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com