The punishment of death by fire which is meted out to a Kohain’s daughter who profanes herself is doubly more stringent than that which is prescribed for a Yisroel‘s daughter who is executed by choking. The Alter of Kelm Z”tl notes that the posuk itself gives the reason for this. “she desecrates her father’s name.” Kohanim, because of their exposure to holiness and sanctity are extremely vigilant in caring for themselves and their families, are wary of situations where they might become contaminated. The Kohain will make every effort to provide his children with a superior education replete with sanctity and purity. When a daughter raised in such an environment profanes herself, she desecrates not only herself, but she besmirches her education and entire upbringing. This profanity deserves a punishment which is out of the ordinary, since her promiscuity maligned the whole institution of the priesthood. Nonetheless, we may wonder how a child raised in such a home with such a superior education degenerated. What happened to the influence of her environment and education? We may suggest that the one who is afforded an opportunity to receive a very special gift must first be made aware of its uniqueness. To hand over a beautiful jewel to one who does not appreciate its beauty and value is essentially wasting this gift. Parents must display their excitement regarding their child’s education for their child to hold this education in its proper esteem. A child responds to its parents’ endorsement. It is perhaps for this reason that the Torah emphasizes the word “aht” (man). The father acted as an ordinary man, not as an exalted member of the priesthood. The vibrance and excitement of being able to serve Hashem did not permeate his household to the extent that his children fully appreciate the wonderful opportunities afforded them. For children to fully value their education, parents must first show their own sense of appreciation by holding this education in its proper esteem.
