Parshat HaShavua

LIGHT 'EM UP AHARON

Aharon, upon watching the 12 princes present their respective korbanot, was feeling a little down. While it’s true that he offers korbanot on a daily basis, it is as a result of the command to do so. The princes, on the other hand, voluntarily brought gifts to Hashem, and Aharon was feeling left out. After all, the only tribe not to be represented was shevat Levi, and that’s because the other princes didn’t approach Levi with their desire. Understanding the hurt that Aharon was feeling, Hashem told him that the mere lighting of the menorah was more important to Hashem than all of the voluntary korbanot brought by the princes.

Can you imagine the impact of that statement? To think that one’s compliance with the law is more important than one’s voluntarily acceptance an obligation just goes against logic. How can it be? It was explained that it is the nature of a person to do something that is not expected, as one does not have a yetzer hara telling him not to comply with the action. On the other hand, when there is a rule to be followed the yetzer hara will then give the person reason after reason as to why one should not comply. It is that very act of our conquering the yetzer hara that is important to Hashem. That is what earns the big points, as it were.

So, I guess you could say that the lesson of the day is that while it’s nice to volunteer it’s even better to just do the job that we have been commanded to do.

READY, SET, GO!

In case you were wondering how we will know when to break or set up camp, there will be three signals. One is that Hashem’s cloud will lift off of the Mishkan, the second being Moshe’s command, and finally the blast of the trumpets. All 3 signals will be given each time. The trumpets will remain the sole property of Moshe, to be buried with him, may he be strong and healthy, upon his demise.

THE CHEVRA SPEAKS—STUMPS MOSHE

Today, while everyone was bringing their korban pesach, the Chevra who carries Yosef’s coffin and, in addition to their normal duties, just buried a mate mitzvah—deceased person without family—found themselves in a difficult situation. They, too, wanted to bring the korban pesach but could not because they were in a state of tumah—spiritual impurity—and the halacha forbids a person who is tamai from bringing the korban pesach. Not knowing how to conduct themselves they went to ask Moshe. We caught up with the Chevra and asked them to tell us what happened. Below is their story.

Chevra- We came to the tent where Moshe and Aharon were learning Torah. Knowing that there was no way that Aharon could answer our question if Moshe couldn’t, but not wanting to show any disrespect for Aharon Hakohain, we posed our question to both of them. We questioned whether or not we were included in the prohibition against a tamai person bringing the korban pesach.

After all, we argued, we were doing a mitzvah and involvement of one mitzvah should not stop us from participating in another one.

Moshe- I hear what you’re saying, but it appears that, in this case, the Halacha is quite clear and you are therefore forbidden to bring the korban.

Chevra- Fine, if we can’t do it, why not just let the kohanim sprinkle the blood on our behalf and let us eat the meat? In that way, we won’t lose out on the mitzvah.

Moshe- Interesting approach. I don’t know the answer. Wait here and I will ask Hashem.

(Chevra- While waiting for the answer we began to talk amongst ourselves and noted how wonderful it must be for Moshe’s parents to know that anytime Moshe wants to speak with Hashem, he is assured that it will happen. And then in a few minutes we were presented with the answer.)

Moshe- Hashem has said that while your claim is justified, one is tamai can’t offer the korban pesach. Rather, there will be a make-up date next month on the 14^th day, allowing anyone who missed the opportunity to bring and eat the korban. While it may not be eaten with chametz, one need not rid himself of chametz. This is a 1-day semi-holiday. This will be a make-up day for all generations and due to your sincere desire to observe all these laws, this story detailing how Pesach Sheni—the second Pesach-- came into existence will be written in the Torah.