Parasha Thoughts
By Rabbi David Cohen
Take Aharon and his sons with him. (8:2)
Rashi teaches us how Aharon HaKohen was taken/convinced to perform the avodah, service. “Draw him with words.” We are being taught an important principle. One should not be pulled to do something against his will. Compelling someone to perform a service which he either is not interested in executing or for which he feels completely incompetent will not produce fruits of success. Even if it is something as holy as performing Hashem’s will. Whatever inhibitions one has concerning a position must be addressed in a positive manner to produce positive results. Aharon HaKohen had serious concerns regarding his own suitability to perform the sacrificial service. He felt that the role he was forced to play in the sin of the Golden Calf would inhibit his acceptability to serve as the nation’s agent in the Mishkan. Moshe Rabbeinu convinced him with “words” that, specifically because he had these concerns, he was most suitable for this position.
Shabbat Shalom