A leader from within

After G-d forgave the Jewish people for the sin of the golden calf, He commanded them to build Him a home, the Mishkan. Moshe led the effort and within five months it was completed to perfection. On Rosh Chodesh Nissan, Aharon the Kohen Gadol brought the first official sacrifices, and a Heavenly fire descended to accept them. The Divine presence had returned.

But leading up to that moment, there was uncertainty. For seven days, Moshe conducted practice runs in the Mishkan with Aharon and his sons, yet no Heavenly fire appeared. The people were anxious. Had G-d really forgiven them? Was He ready to dwell among them?

Moshe reassured them: “Only my brother Aharon can bring this to completion.”

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When he assumes his role on the eighth day, the final step of forgiveness will be complete.

But why Aharon? Wasn’t he involved in the sin itself? When the people panicked at Moshe’s delayed return from Sinai, it was Aharon who was involved in fashioning the golden calf, though he was trying to delay disaster. So how could he now be the one to bring atonement?

The Talmud states: “Ein kateigor na’aseh saneigor,” a prosecutor cannot become a defender. That’s why we don’t wear gold jewelry on Yom Kippur — it reminds us too much of the sin we’re trying to atone for. And yet, Aharon, who played a role in that very sin, became the people’s advocate. Why?

Because Aharon understood brokenness. He knew the messiness of human struggle. He was a leader who didn’t stand above the people, but beside them. While Moshe was the “companion of the King,” seeing the grand vision from above, Aharon was the “companion of the Queen,” walking with the people through their trials and imperfections.

There are two kinds of leaders: those who see the destination, and those who walk the path with us. The visionary breathes perfection. But the guide in the trenches understands the turbulence of the journey, the doubts, the setbacks, the need for compassion along the way.

Aharon was that kind of leader. He didn’t just bring sacrifices; he brought empathy. He didn’t just know holiness; he knew people. That’s why he was the one who could truly plead for their forgiveness, and why the people could turn to him in their most broken moments.

A true leader is like a lifeguard. If a child is drowning R”L, the lifeguard doesn’t stay dry on the high chair delivering lectures on water safety. He jumps in. He gets wet. He shares the danger to save a life.

When they were children, the Rebbe Rashab once played “Rebbe and Chossid” with his brother, the Raz”a. When the Raz”a offered advice to the “Chossid,” upon hearing his request for guidance in a bothersome matter, the young Rashab said, “You’re not a real Rebbe.” “Why not?” asked his brother. “Because,” he answered, “a real Rebbe would have sighed, with a feeling of pain for the issue, before giving guidance.”

Aharon sighed. He felt our pain. And that’s why his efforts were needed to finally bring the Divine presence amongst the Jewish people. PJC

Rabbi Mendy Schapiro is the director of Chabad of Monroeville. This column is a service of the Vaad Harabonim of Greater Pittsburgh.