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“Not so is My servant Moshe; in My entire house he is trusted.” (12:7)

The Torah emphasizes the fact that Moshe Rabbeinu’s nevuah, prophesy, is unlike that of other prophets, such as, Aharon and Miriam. Once Horav Simcha Zelig Reiger, z.l., the Av Bais Din of Brisk asked Horav Chaim Soloveitchik, z.l., the significance of the term, “b’chol baisi neeman hu,” “in My entire house he is trusted,” in regard to Moshe’s level of prophesy. Indeed, in his Hilchos Yesodei HaTorah in which he enumerates the various differences between Moshe’s nevuah and that of other prophets, the Rambam does not mention the concept of “in My entire house he is trusted.” Rav Chaim explained…

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“Miriam and Aharon spoke about Moshe regarding the Cushite woman he had married…Now the man Moshe was exceedingly humble…‘Why did you not fear to speak about My servant, about Moshe?’” (12:1,3,8)

In Hilchos Deios the Rambam defines a “holech rochil” talebearer, a baal lashon hara, slanderer, as one who maliciously spreads disparaging information about an individual. This applies even if the tale he bears is true. He adds that one who speaks lashon hara as a joke, to poke fun innocuously without malice, is still viewed as “touching” on lashon hara. It is considered avak lashon hara, “dust” of lashon hara. It seems clear from the Rambam, however, that unless one speaks lashon hara maliciously, out of hatred for his victim, he does not transgress the Biblical injunction against lashon hara….

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“Speak to Aharon and say to him: When you kindle the lamps.” (8:2)

  Aharon HaKohen was chagrined that every Nasi participated in the Chanukas HaMishkan, dedicating the Sanctuary, while he and the tribe of Levi had been excluded. Hashem reassured him that his service was greater than theirs, because he was to prepare and kindle the Menorah. We must endeavor to understand how the kindling of the Menorah represents a greater spiritual service than participating in the dedication of the Mishkan. Horav Yechezkel Levenstein, z.l., explains that every mitzvah that one performs is generally accompanied by a certain amount of physical benefit or pleasure. This physical dimension detracts from the spiritual dimension…

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