Devar/5769/Chukat
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< Devar | 5769
עברית
English
A memorial unto the children of Israel, to the end that no common man, that is not of the seed of Aaron, draw near to burn incense before the LORD; that he fare not as Korah, and as his company; as the LORD spoke unto him by the hand of Moses. (Num 17:5)
This reminder of rebelliousness -- the copper fire-pans of Korach and his company -- is kept in the place which is holiest to the Children of Israel. Not only this item, but also the broken tablets and Aaron's staff are within the miqdash. If they are meant to remind the people about their improper behavior, why are they in the miqdash and not in a location which is more accessible to the majority of the people?
One might say that indeed, these items are not really reminders for the general population, but rather are intended for the kohanim who serve the people and God in the miqdash. They will see the copper covering of Korach's company and become filled with awe of God. Even though they cannot look at Aaron's staff or the broken tablets, since they are in the ark which is in the holy of holies -- nevertheless they know where they are, and will think about the lessons they contain. The kohanim will learn their lessons, and teach them to the people.
And even a common Israelite, when he makes pilgrimage to Jerusalem or any other time he thinks about the miqdash, will be reminded of those things which are stored there, and will learn their lessons and improve his ways. And what are the lessons to be learned? The staff and the fire-pans demonstrate clearly the elevated status of the kohanim regarding God's service, and that no zar (that is, one who is not a kohen) is proper to perform the tasks of a kohen. The shattered tablets symbolize God's mercy and His love for us -- since even though we rebelled against Him and deserved a death sentence, nevertheless He gave us His Torah with mercy, to guide our path in the proper way. And the kohanim are commanded to serve His people with love, just has He may He be blessed, loves His people.
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