Parshas Matos-Maasei 5784
- Torah Tavlin
- Aug 2, 2024
- 2 min read
ויעל אהרן הכהן אל הר ההר על פי ה' וימת שם ... וישמע הכנעני מלך ערד והוא ישב בנגב וגו' (לג-לח,מ)
Rashi explains the juxtaposition of these posukim as follows. When the Canaanim heard of Aharon Hakohen’s passing and witnessed the departure of the ענני הכבוד, they thought it was a strategic time to attack Bnei Yisroel. They were seemingly aware of the divine protection the unique clouds of glory provided. Chazal actually teach us (Taanis 9a) that these clouds were present in Aharon’s zechus. With his passing they left, but were returned to us in Moshe’s merit.
In fact, the Gemara tells us there that the be’er (well) was in Miriam’s zechus, the ענני הכבוד was in Aharon’s zechus and the mann was in Moshe’s zechus. Even though they were removed, subsequently they all returned בזכות משה. So, if Moshe could bring them all back in his merit, why was it necessary to initially be provided in Aharon’s and Miriam’s merit?
It would seem that although Moshe Rabbeinu possessed the zechusim to activate all three, there was a direct connection between the be’er and Miriam and between the clouds and Aharon.
Perhaps we can say the following machshava. In Tefillas Maariv, we ask Hashem, "ופרוש עלינו סכת שלומיך". The glory of Hashem serves as a protection. The condition is שלומיך - having unity. Hence, Aharon Hakohen, the paradigm of אוהב שלום ורודף שלום, brought down these clouds of glory and protection. And with his passing there was a void in the nation, and they left simply to symbolize Aharon’s trait. The nations then poised to attack us, as Rashi says.
It’s possible to suggest that it’s not for naught that Aharon’s yahrtzeit is Rosh Chodesh Av, the month of the Churban Bais HaMikdash. Because, as we know, the Bais HaMikdash was destroyed because of שנאת חנם. Aharon Hakohen, who promoted peace, passed away and with his departure we suffered from discord. During these turbulent and unsettled times and especially בין המצרים, we as a nation, must unite and rectify that terrible sin. May we all be zoche to the בנין בית השלישי, בב"א.