Rashi comments that when Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, arrives, Aharon was to carry out the service in the prescribed manner. The emphasis is placed upon the fact that when Aharon performed the Avodah, garbed in the regal vestments of the Kohen Gadol, his attitude was completely selfless; he did it only because it was the command of Hashem. Horav Simcha Zissel Broide, Shlita, notes the compelling nature of this statement. We are taught that Rav Chanina ben Dosa was once immersed in prayer. So profound was his devotion during tefillah that when a snake bit him, he remained unaware of it. Ostensibly, Aharon Ha’kohen manifested a similar level of devotion during his encounter with the Al-mighty, especially on Yom Kippur in the Kodoshei Ha’kodoshim. Yet, Chazal claim that Aharon should be praised for not deferring
to his human nature, as he did not gloat about his magnificent clothes and noble position! It is easier to ignore the physical pain of a snake bite than to disregard the demands of one’s middos, character traits. The innate penchant towards arrogance, jealousy, anger, and a host of other offensive middos is so forceful that it can override even the most determined individual.
Aharon’s ability to triumph over his natural proclivity to exult in his position, to express a degree of haughtiness about wearing the Bigdei Kehunah Gedolah, earned him the great appellation–“And (Aharon) did as Hashem commanded Moshe.”
