By Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D.
SAN DIEGO — This Shabbat we have the opportunity to connect with our “inner Aaron.” Aaron was the brother of Moses and held the position of High Priest (Kohen Gadol). That is, he and his sons were charged with ultimate responsibility for the spiritual services in the tabernacle such as bringing sacrifices, burning incense, lighting the menorah, and all the holiday rituals and services. However, his true legacy was loving and pursuing peace.
We learn in this week’s Torah readings that judging others favorably is essential. Rabbi Nachman of Breslov composed a short prayer for assistance in finding the good in others (Likkutei Tefillot 117): “Hashem Above, help me give each person the benefit of the doubt, even those who disagree with me… And may this lead to true peace and unity among all of Israel!”
Bilam saw the world through ayin ra’a, (wicked eye). The concept of the “lens” through which we see the world is essential to grasp the good that surrounds us. It is the basis of living well. Isn’t this what Independence Day in America, rests on? One nation, under G-d, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all? And isn’t this perspective, this vision, an essential element in the positivity teachings found throughout our faith?
In fact, we learn in Choshen Mishpat 137, “Behold, the first ‘good’ in the Torah was based on sight. And from this Rabbi Eliezer learned that the general way to achieve goodness is ‘ayin tova.’” Indeed, in Berishit, we see that the first verse in the Torah using the word “good” is in relation to sight: “And Hashem saw the light and it was good…” Avraham Avinu, the Mishnah Avot 5:22, teaches, had three traits to be emulated: a good eye (ayin), a meek spirit (ruach) and a humble soul (nefesh). In contrast, Bilam the wicked had an evil eye, a high spirit, and a haughty soul.
We learn in Proverbs 16:1, “A person may arrange his thoughts. But what he says depends on the Lord.” Our words have remarkable power to heal, to offend, to build, to destroy, to create distance, or to bring closer. Putting a cracker with an “OU” or “Circle K” on it in your mouth, doesn’t protect what comes out of many mouths. Hashem put the power of miracles in our mouths. When our minds, hearts, and our mouths are aligned, when we grasp the dominion of our words that are dependent on and originate from Hashem, we see that our words are like seeds, and we are in a strong position to plant those seeds to be a source of blessing and justice for all.
Hashem opened the eyes of Bilam, and planted words in his mouth. Rashi explains that Bilam, though flawed, had a prophetic gift, and Hashem prevented him from acting against the Israelites’ divine protection. When Bilam looked at the people he was sent to curse, he saw and spoke differently. “Bilam raised his eyes and saw Israel dwelling according to its tribes, and the spirit of Hashem rested upon him.” He saw a society as it could be, one we all desire, filled with trust and dignity. He said, “Mah tovu ohalecha, Yaakov mishk’notecha, Yisrael,” “How goodly are your tents, O Jacob, your dwelling places, O Israel.” He goes on to see and speak out about streams, like gardens by the river, water flowing from wells, such beauty. All from what Hashem planted in his eyes, his heart and in his mouth. This is much different than where the parasha began, seeing the world quite differently, in a far more divided way.
Bilam, with a talking donkey, may be a difficult tale for modern day thinkers to grasp. Talking donkeys? Hard to believe, right? Deeper thinkers, more spiritually healthy thinkers, do not doubt that angels, as described in this week’s Torah portion, exist. With eyes wide open, with an open mind, and an open heart, we are receptive to the angels, the messengers, in our lives. We would be wise to be open minded, which, after all, is our choice. Wisdom and information are there for us, but it’s up to us to open our hearts to internalize and interpret it.
Our “inner Aaron” comes into play here. “Vayivku et Aharon shloshim yom, kol beit Yisrael.” “And they cried over Aaron passing for 30 days, the entire house of Israel.” Rashi teaches us that Aaron brought accord and good will to people, especially among husbands and wives and between friends.
Pirkei Avot tells us that in order to be like Avraham Avinu, one must possess the following three traits: an “ayin tova” (a good eye), modesty, and generosity. These three traits unite us, something missing from so many places in our lives.
In fact, Chazal explain that we were created with two eyes. One eye is meant to magnify the positive in ourselves and others, while the other eye is to minimize flaws in us or others. Focusing on the good is a constant and deliberate choice that we make, one that determines our view of the world.
While Moshe dealt with the greater nation, Rashi tells us, Aaron was more involved in the daily affairs of B’nai Yisrael to help them improve their relationships. His main skill, it seems, was his ability to know when and how to intervene with an ayin tova, a good eye. When he saw anger between people, he would ask them what they disliked about the other, and tell them that the other loved, admired, and spoke positively about them. This led to a more open discussion about hurt feelings each experienced. Aaron went back and forth between the individuals and encouraged them to step closer to each other while helping them see that the other was enthusiastic to see their relationship improve. Good coaching, right? Hashem apparently thought so. In the Book of Malachi, Hashem said of Aaron, “He walked with me in peace and fairness and turned many away from iniquity.”
Isn’t this also our responsibility? Or are we to think that somehow we are “better” than the next person, to believe that life is a seesaw, and we only go up by pushing the other person down? Can you imagine NOT loving people, NOT seeking peace, and NOT caring for the welfare of others in our neighborhoods, in our communities, in our synagogues? Why not connect fully with your own “inner Aaron” and grow? Instead of simply walking by someone with a transparent, phony, and empty “Good Shabbos” on this “Shabbat of Aaron” let’s take a moment and improve ourselves and our world by connecting more fully and genuinely with another…really connecting…restoring wholeness and genuine harmony. After all, that is our tradition, not to overlook, discount, and snub others. “Lo alekha hammelakhah ligmor, velo attah ben horin lehibbatel mimmena,” says Pirkei Avot – it is not up to you to finish the task, but neither can you let it go.
Without a full and genuine environment of peace, how can blessings be truly appreciated? The answer is, they can’t. True peace of mind is the foundation for a high quality of life. This is why Hillel, the great Jewish sage of the first century, stated: “Be a student of Aaron – love peace, pursue peace.” (Ethics of Our Fathers 1:12).
In parashat Chukat Moses hits the rock to bring forth water instead of speaking to it as Hashem commanded. This act leads to him being denied entry into the Promised Land. This highlights the importance of following instructions precisely and the impact of our words and actions. It teaches us to be mindful of how we communicate, as our words have the power to bring about consequences and shape our destinies. Like Aaron, you will be responsible for bringing people closer to the Torah.
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Michael R. Mantell, Ph.D., prepares a weekly D’var Torah for Young Israel of San Diego, where he and his family are members. They are also active members of Congregation Adat Yeshurun. He may be contacted via michael.mantell@sdjewishworld.com
Michael Mantell:
What is the story about the moon, when did the moon appear in our solar system the Milky Way and where did it come from? And how did it get here and why?
Where can I find this story in print?
Thank you,
Sincerely. Sonia Chapman Young
Not sure what story you mean. In the vast expanse of our solar system, the Moon emerged as a celestial companion to our planet. Approximately 4.5 billion years ago, during a period known as the Late Heavy Bombardment, the young Earth experienced a series of intense collisions with other celestial bodies. It is believed that one such collision occurred between a Mars-sized object, often referred to as Theia, and Earth. This cataclysmic event led to the formation of the Moon.
As for finding a story about the Moon’s origin in print, you may come across various books, articles, and scientific publications that delve into the fascinating tale of our Moon’s formation.