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“And Aharon and his sons carried out all the matters that Hashem commanded through Moshe.” (8:36)

Rashi tells us that Aharon exemplified perfect obedience in that he did not deviate one iota from all he was told. The commandments were many and filled with much detail, but Aharon readily agreed to perform that which was expected of him. This statement is enigmatic! Are we to commend Aharon for doing his job ? Does this mean that every time one does what is expected of him his praises should be publicly acclaimed? The Maharal explains that Aharon accepted Hashem’s order as stated by Moshe as if it had come directly from Hashem. In fact, to acknowledge the…

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“At the entrance of the Ohel Moed you shall dwell day and night for a seven-day period.” (8:35)

The Midrash Tanchuma states that the restrictions imposed upon Aharon and his sons in the course of their consecrations were indeed similar to the ritual restrictions for mourners. Moshe told Aharon and his sons, “Observe seven days of mourning even before you need to, and thereby protect Hashem’s charge. For in the same way, Hashem observed seven days of mourning prior to bringing the flood.” This statement refers to Hashem’s waiting seven days before bringing the flood waters.  The kohanim were adjured to observe the period of sadness before the tragic event that would take the lives of Nadav and…

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“This is the anointment (portion) of Aharon and the anointment (portions) of his sons… that Hashem commanded to be given them…it is an eternal decree for their generations.” (7:35,36)

There were two different types of anointment: one for Aharon and his sons which inducted them into the kehunah, priesthood, and one which was only for Aharon, which elevated him to the Kehunah Gedolah. The first anointing, which included Aharon and his sons, was eternal insofar as it was performed once and was sufficient to consecrate the status of kehunah for posterity. The second anointing, however, served to sanctify only Aharon for the Kehunah Gedolah. His sons, however, and all future Kohanim Gedolim were required to undergo another anointing. Horav Mordechai Gimpel Yoffe, z.l., explains the reason for the distinction…

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“If he shall offer it for a thanksgiving offering.” (7:12)

One who has survived a life-threatening situation is adjured to bring a Korban Todah, thanksgiving offering. Rashi cites Tehillim 107 which is used by Chazal as the source for requiring a Korban Todah from a Jew who finds himself in any of four types of situations: He has been liberated from prison, has recently recovered from a serious illness,  he returned from a sea voyage, or traveled in the desert and has arrived safely. In each of these cases, he is to express his gratitude to Hashem with a specific korban. In Tehillim 50:23 the pasuk states, hbbscfh vsu, jcuz,…

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“This is the law of the feast peace-offering… if he shall offer it for a thanksgiving – offering.” (7:11,12)

When someone has survived a life-threatening crisis he offers a Korban Todah, thanksgiving offering, as a way of expressing his gratitude to Hashem. Chazal teach us that in the era of Moshiach all sacrifices will become void. One exception to this rule is the Korban Todah, which will never become void. The same idea is mentioned in regard to prayer, for all tefillos, prayers, will be abolished then except those of thanksgiving. How are we to understand these statements? True, the era of Moshiach will  usher in an idyllic world wherein man will be free of sin. He will have…

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