Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
A Plague and an Unusual Cure
After Korach and his followers were swallowed alive by the earth, a fierce protest erupted against Moshe (Moses) and Aharon (Aaron). “You have killed the people of Hashem!” the people cried out. As a result of these complaints, a deadly plague broke out among the nation and quickly began claiming lives.
Determined to stop the devastation, Moshe revealed a remarkable secret to Aharon that he had heard from the Malach HaMavet (Angel of Death) himself. The ketoret (incense offering) possesses the power to halt a plague (Shabbat 89a). With no time to lose, Aharon immediately placed the ketoret into a firepan and ran into the midst of the people. The sweet fragrance of the ketoret wafted through the air, and miraculously the plague came to an abrupt halt.
Yet what was it about offering ketoret that enabled it to stop such a devastating plague?
The Connection Between Ketoret and Lashon Hara
Chazal (Our Sages – Zevachim 88b) teach that the ketoret serves as an atonement for lashon hara (evil speech). The people had spoken against Moshe and Aharon, accusing and criticizing them. Since the plague was brought about through improper speech, ketoret was the perfect remedy. However, this itself requires explanation. What is the connection between ketoret and lashon hara?
The Lesson of the Chelbenah
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein offers a beautiful insight. The ketoret consisted of sweet-smelling spices, yet it contained one spice with a foul odor: the chelbenah. On its own, this spice was extremely unpleasant. However, when combined with all the other spices, its odor became completely overwhelmed by the beautiful fragrance of the ketoret and could not even be detected.
This serves as a powerful lesson for those who speak lashon hara. Negative speech stems from focusing on a person’s deficiencies and shortcomings. Ketoret teaches us to do the exact opposite. We must learn to step back and look at the bigger picture. When we do, we discover that the flaws we may notice are only a small part of who that person really is.
Every person possesses tremendous inherent goodness. Each individual is created in the image of Hashem and endowed with unique strengths, talents, and qualities. When we focus on the positive aspects of others rather than their deficiencies, we become far less likely to speak negatively about them.
Therefore, ketoret serves as the perfect atonement for lashon hara. Its powerful message of focusing on the good rather than the negative addresses the very mindset that leads one to speak improperly in the first place. This is why Aharon was able to use ketoret to halt the deadly plague. (Based on Kol Ram, Shelah)
Applying the Message to Ourselves
This lesson extends far beyond our relationships with others. It is equally relevant to our relationship with ourselves. When we make mistakes, we often become consumed by them. We dwell on our failures and shortcomings and allow them to overshadow everything else. As a result, we can become discouraged and fail to appreciate who we truly are and how much good we possess.
Seeing the Blessings in Our Lives
The same idea applies to how we view the circumstances of our lives. Things do not always go according to plan. We all experience challenges, disappointments, and periods of difficulty. However, when we choose to zoom out and look at the broader picture, we begin to recognize how much goodness Hashem continuously bestows upon us.
Every moment of life is filled with countless blessings. The ability to breathe, to see, to learn Torah, to enjoy the companionship of family and friends, and to experience Hashem’s endless kindness are gifts of immeasurable value. Focusing on the blessings in our lives rather than becoming consumed by our difficulties not only brings greater happiness, but also enables us to face life’s challenges with greater faith, perspective, and appreciation.
The Fragrance of a Bigger Picture
Like the chelbenah within the ketoret, difficulties and imperfections may exist, but they do not define the whole. When we learn to focus on the larger picture, we discover that there is far more good than bad. Appreciating that reality can transform the way we view others, ourselves, and the many blessings Hashem grants us each day.
By Rabbi Daniel Shasha, author of “Living Appreciation”
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