Facing Aaron – Tzav
The sidra focuses on Aaron. Like his famous brother, Moses, he played a crucial role in shaping the Children of Israel.
18th century Dutch oak statue of Aaron, the High Priest
Each one had his special skills. In Aaron’s case it was the capacity to relate to human beings. With amazing patience and perseverance, he moved around the camp, restoring harmony between people who had quarrelled and radiating a spirit of co-operation and peace.
One of the truly great remarks of the rabbinic commentators is that the atmosphere in the camp was kept calm and wholesome because anyone who had a thought of sinning or having a row with anyone would say to him- or herself, “But how shall I be able to face Aaron?”
Every generation could well emulate this approach. Anyone who contemplates doing the wrong thing has to imagine having Aaron as a neighbour and to say, “But how shall I be able to face Aaron?”
