The Unique Garments of the Kohen Gadol
Aharon was handpicked by Hashem to be the Kohen Gadol (High Priest) and was privileged to wear a unique set of garments. Our parashah goes into great detail about what he wore, including his robe, head covering, the Ephod, and the breastplate known as the Choshen.
The ephod was an apron-like garment woven from the finest threads and interwoven with gold. Attached to it was the Choshen, an exquisite masterpiece made of gold, set with twelve precious gems corresponding to the Shevatim (Tribes).
The Merit Behind the Breastplate
What merit did Aharon have to be privileged to wear this unique breastplate?
When Aharon heard that his brother Moshe was chosen to be the leader of the Jewish people, he went out to greet him with such tremendous joy. He was so happy for his brother and didn’t feel even a tinge of envy. As the verse states (Shemot 4:14), “And he rejoiced in his heart.” Aharon didn’t just give an external appearance; he was genuinely happy for Moshe from the bottom of his heart. He was able to appreciate the great fortune that others experienced, even if he didn’t experience it himself. Chazal teach that in this merit he was privileged to wear the breastplate on his heart (Shabbat 139a).
Rejoicing in the Good of Others
Loving each Jew and appreciating his good fortune are qualities that Aharon truly embodied. We need to aspire to follow in his legacy, emulating these qualities. Even when our fellow experiences privileges that we don’t have, we need to try our best and be happy for him. Really, it serves no purpose to be envious, as our Sages teach (Yoma 38b), “One does not touch anything designated for his friend even by a hair’s breadth.”
Rejoicing in the good fortune of others isn’t always so easy. Yet the reward is ever so great and it brings Hashem so much pleasure. As Rav Elyah Lopian writes, in the name of Rav Mordechai Pogremansky, “One who is genuinely happy for another Jew, like himself, is like a Malach (angel)!” (Lev Eliyahu, vol 2 p.336)
Purim and the Power of Unity
Appreciating the good that others experience will result in greater unity, eradicating feelings of envy and animosity. This is actually a key theme of Purim, and many of its unique mitzvot (Torah commandments) help promote unity. We give charity without limit, have a festive meal with friends and family, and give out food packages. Through these mitzvot we show our great love for one another, eliminating feelings of jealousy which divides us.
In a cryptic statement, the Arizal, based on the Zohar, teaches that Purim is even greater than Yom Kippur! On Yom Kippur, Klal Yisrael (the Jews) are on such a high level that we are actually considered like malachim (angels). There isn’t jealousy or animosity between us; we forgive one another and resolve to be better people.
Rabbi Chaim Shmulevitz teaches, through the mitzvot of Purim we achieve a greater level of unity than Yom Kippur! Therefore, Purim is considered to be greater (Sichot Mussar 36). Purim is such a strong eit ratzon, since Hashem loves it when His children are united. (Rabbi Aharon Leib Shteinman)
Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz (Da’at Chachmah Umussar 1:125) notes that on Yom Kippur we confess our sins and resolve to become better people, yet on Purim we put this into action. We spend our day giving and rejoicing with others. In the words of Rav Yerucham, “Giving mishloach manot can have greater effects than reciting the al chets (Vidui -admission of sins – prayer) on Yom Kippur!’ Hashem desires ever so much for us to get along, expressing our love for our fellow Jews.
A Living Example of Purim Unity
Rabbi Shimshon Pincus ensured that his door was always wide open on Purim. Throngs of people poured into his house from the early hours of the morning to late at night and every one was greeted with a warm smile. He dispensed endless amounts of tzedakah (charity), gave heartfelt brachot (blessings), and distributed mishloach manot generously. Despite the business of the day, he traveled long distances to give mishloach manot to those whom he felt appreciation to.
For example, he would leave his city of Ofakim to visit the homes of his children’s Rebbeim (Torah teachers), giving them lavish mishloach manot, a gesture of his sincere appreciation. He was also particular to travel across town to deliver mishloach manot to their housekeeper. As his rebbetzin (rabbi’s wife) would say, he gave her mishloach manot, “Fit for a rosh yeshivah (esteemed head of a Talmudical school)!” The housekeeper would always insist he not bother himself to come since he was so busy that day, yet he insisted and brought his children with.
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
