How is Moshe to “take” Aharon on his last journey? True, his time to return his lofty soul to its Heavenly Source had come. Aharon was not a person who lived in this world. He was a Himmel mentch, one who lived in the Heavens Above, one who was very comfortable in his ruchniyos, spirituality. To him, death was truly traversing the gesher ha’chaim, bridge of life, from this world to life in the Heavenly sphere. Yet, Moshe had to convince/comfort him with words. Rashi says b’divrei nichumim, comforting words. What were these words? What could Moshe convey to Aharon that would ease his transition, make him “comfortable” about leaving? “Ashrecha, how fortunate you are that you will see your crown (of Kehunah Gedolah) transferred to your son – something which I did not merit.”
Moshe Rabbeinu’s words of comfort to his older brother teach us that true success is not measured solely by personal achievements, but by the legacy we leave behind. Aharon experienced the unique comfort of seeing his son continue in his sacred role as Kohen Gadol. His sons perpetrated his legacy of avodas haKodesh, sacred service. Moshe did not see his sons follow in his footsteps. Leadership Is not passed on through lineage. One can have highly successful, G-d-fearing sons, but this does not mean they have the ability to lead. Yet, Moshe’s legacy remains eternal. The Torah he transmitted, the nation he guided, and his unwavering dedication continue to impact us to this very day. His achievements did not die with him; they became our foundation for generations to come.
One lesson can be derived from the contrasting legacies of Moshe and Aharon: achievement that fades with time holds little meaning. True success is defined by its endurance, by what remains after we are gone. A person’s true greatness is not measured by temporary accomplishments, but by the enduring impact they create – in their families, communities and Klal Yisrael at large.
Everyone has the opportunity to leave a legacy. Some may pass down Torah values, inspiring their children to follow the path of spiritual and ethical virtue. Others may create a ripple effect through their acts of lovingkindness – either with their largesse or their time in helping, listening to a fellow Jew. Even the small consistent choices we make – a word of encouragement, a moment of patience, a sincere smile – can illuminate the lives of others for years. A true legacy is built from the values we live by and the people we inspire. By investing in others, nurturing relationships and imparting enduring values, we ensure that our legacy will continue to inspire long after we are gone. At the end of the day, the barometer of a life well-lived is not merely in the milestones we record, the victories and feats that we count – but in the legacy of light that we leave behind.
