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By: Chaya Sora Jungreis-Gertzulin
“Vayehi bayom hashmini, and it was on the eighth day.” (Vayikra 9:1)
The number seven connotes tevah, what is natural, as in the days of the week, while eight is le’ma’ala min ha’tevah — above and unconstrained by nature, entering the realm of the spiritual.
For a week, Moshe was busy consecrating the Mishkan. On Yom HaShemini, the eighth day, the Mishkan was inaugurated. A day of much anticipated joy and celebration. A day of attaining great spiritual heights.
For Aaron, the brother of Moshe and the Kohain Gadol, it evolved into a day of tragedy.
“Nadav and Avihu, sons of Aaron took their fire pans, and placed ketores, incense in them and offered them before HaShem. An alien fire that HaShem had not commanded. And a fire came forth from HaShem and consumed them. And they died before HaShem.” (Vayikra 10:1-2)
Nadav and Avihu erred by bringing an offering on their own. An aish zarah, a foreign fire. An offering that had not been requested by HaShem. There are numerous explanations as to why and how this could have happened. One is a teaching of Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev. He explains that their death was not a divine punishment, but in their eagerness to serve HaShem, they crossed a boundary, endeavoring to enter a world in which they were unable to exist.
Nadav and Avihu saw their father prepare for the kehunah. Their desire to come closer to HaShem was part of their very being. Yet, in their fervor to attain greater spiritual heights, they did something they were not asked to do.
We can’t begin to comprehend the agony Aaron must have endured, losing two sons at the very same moment. What words of comfort and consolation could Moshe possibly offer to his beloved brother. With much compassion, Moshe approached Aaron, telling him that Nadav and Avihu perished while sanctifying HaShem’s name. He conveyed a message from HaShem that “B’krovai ekodesh, I will be sanctified by those who are closest to Me, v’al pnei kol ha’am ekovaid, thus, I will be honored before the entire nation.” (Vayikra 10:3)
Rashi comments that Moshe consoled Aaron with these beautiful words: “Aaron achi, my brother Aaron, I knew that the Mishkan would be sanctified by those beloved by HaShem. But I thought it would be either you or me. Now I know that they (Nadav and Avihu) were greater than either of us.”
Vayidom Aaron, and Aaron was silent.
How do we understand Aaron’s reaction?
One of the great Torah commentators, the Malbim explains that the word vayidom, and he was silent, is not commonly used to describe silence. It is used when one becomes quiet in the midst of speaking. While Aaron was expressing his emotions on his tragic loss, Moshe spoke, and Aaron said nothing further.
Upon comforting one who is mourning, it is customary not to initiate conversation, but to allow the mourner to take the lead. Aaron began speaking, and Moshe responded with words of comfort.
Vayidom Aaron. Aaron stopped speaking and accepted Moshe’s words of consolation.
There is yet another understanding of the word vayidom. Vayidom has the same root as the Hebrew word domeim, meaning inanimate objects such as stones, rocks and mountains.
Aaron’s reaction was to be resilient, like a rock. After hearing Moshe’s words, he became strong as a mountain. Unshakable and steadfast.
Vayidom – he was silent. Not a silence of anger or bitterness. Nor a silence of despair and depression. Aaron’s silence reflected his emunah and bitachon. Even though the pain was devastating, Aaron’s silence expressed his conviction that HaShem was with him, at all times and through all circumstances. His silence spoke volumes. Aaron was ready to be strong and continue his holy work as the Kohain Gadol.
Life comes with its challenges. Times when we may feel like asking, why me? The Torah teaches us that it is not about the why. Though there may not be any answers as to why, what is vital is to have faith to carry on. That is the essence of a Jew.
The strength of Aaron continues from generation to generation. Despite all pain and hardship, Am Yisroel Chai. Our nation lives on with determination and fortitude. Domeim, solid like a rock.
It started as a beautiful fall day. My father, HaRav Meshulem ben HaRav Osher Anshil HaLevi zt”l, went to see a doctor for some stomach pain, expecting a routine exam. But it was anything but routine. My Abba was informed that he was facing a diagnosis of cancer.
Vayidom. My father mustered up his inner reserves of strength, and accepted the doctor’s words with unwavering trust in HaShem. The doctor later shared with our family how “the Rabbi brought tears to my eyes, when he said that he was sorry that I had to relay a difficult diagnosis”.
Vayidom. The day was not over. Without saying a word, or exhibiting any outward sign of pain, my father continued on with his schedule. He went from the doctor’s office to my sister Slovie’s home, to be a loving zeide and study Torah with his grandson.
It was only later in the day that Abba shared the news with our family.
The strength of silence.
The power of vayidom.
This past Purim, a photo of Dina Cohen’s front door went viral. Dina is the young widow of a fallen soldier. A woman of amazing spirit, even during times of grief.
Dina posted a sign on her door, “When entering this home, please hold your back straight and your head held high. Then, fill yourself with strength and happiness… know that in this house lives the family of a hero, who during his lifetime, and after his death, spread light and hope.”
The strength of Aaron continues.
This Shabbos, we will recite Birchas HaChodesh, welcoming and blessing the upcoming month of Nisan. The word Nisan is similar to the Hebrew word nisayon, a life test, a challenge to overcome. At the same time, Nisan also connotes neis, a miracle.
Yeshuas HaShem K’heref ayin, The salvation from HaShem is quick like the blink of an eye. While we as a nation after faced with nisyonos, many tests, we believe that at any moment, we can go from nisayon to neis, from challenges to miracles.
Chazal tell us that b’nisan nigalu, u’bNisan assidim l’higael — In the month of Nisan we were first redeemed, and in the month of Nisan we shall have our final redemption. Let us daven that this will be the Nisan in which we see the realization of this promise.
Shabbat Shalom!
Chaya Sora
Chaya Sora can be reached at [email protected]
This article was written L’zecher Nishmas/In Memory Of HaRav Meshulem ben HaRav Osher Anshil HaLevi, zt”l and Rebbetzin Esther bas HaRav Avraham HaLevi, zt”l
