Bat Kol International, Weekly Torah Nuggets
Parashat Shemini | Leviticus 9:1 – 11:47
Then Moses said to Aaron: “Come forward to the altar and sacrifice your purgation offering to the altar and your burnt offering, making expiation for yourself and for the people; and sacrifice the people’s offering and make expiation for them, as the Eternal has commanded” (Lev 9:7).
The focus in commentaries is frequently on the phrase “Come forward to the altar” or “Come near the altar.” The question is asked; Why did Aaron have to be told to “Come forward.” Why was he hesitant or even ashamed to approach the altar. The Midrash explains that he felt unworthy or even ashamed because of his experience with the Golden Calf. Moses, however, reminds him that it is “for this you were chosen.”
His past failure did not disqualify him. On the contrary, his humility was essential for a role in leadership. We know, as well, that Scripture is replete with examples of individuals failing, yet they are still chosen. It’s a recognition that responding to the call of the Divine requires courage despite any fear or shame that we may sense.
It is also noted that Aaron’s atonement begins with himself (“make expiation for yourself”) before “making expiation for the people.” Are we not called to do the same?
Reflection:
Where or when have I felt unworthy of a call and yet humbly responded to it?
Julien Fradette, Winnipeg, MB
See all Weekly Torah Nuggets from Bat Kol International
Subscribe to Weekly Torah Nuggets
“Since the spiritual patrimony common to Christians and Jews is thus so great, this sacred synod wants to foster and recommend that mutual understanding and respect which is the fruit, above all, of biblical and theological studies.”
Declaration on the Relation of the Church to Non-Christian Religions: Nostra Aetate, No. 4