Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz
The Torah writes that after Aharon passed away the entire nation mourned him, yet when Moshe passed away, he was not mourned by all (see Rashi Devarim 34:8). Does this imply that Moshe was, in some respect, inferior to his brother Aharon? And if so, why would the Torah conclude Moshe’s life on a note that seems to reflect negatively on him?
Rabbi Chaim Mintz responds:
No, the fact that he wasn’t embraced by everyone does not connote inferiority in any way. On the contrary, it was a virtue!
Two Great Leaders, Two Different Missions
This difference between them was not a matter of one being greater than the other, but a reflection of the roles each had to fulfill. Our Sages (Avot D’Rabbi Natan 12:4) explain that while Aharon worked tirelessly to promote peace, lifting up every Jew with an outpouring of love, Moshe often delivered harsh mussar (rebuke) and was therefore less popular.
Moshe was the leader of the Jewish people, and a leader will never be popular with everyone. He had to quash rebellions such as Korach’s, deliver rebuke, and make difficult decisions that displeased some of the people.
Aharon, by contrast, served as Kohen Gadol (High Priest), a role centered on bringing peace and unity to the Jewish people. He was therefore able to be gentle and loving toward all. Thus, each fulfilled the responsibilities of their respective roles. Had Aharon not acted with universal love, it would have been a flaw in his mission, and had Moshe not acted with firmness, it would have been a flaw in his.
Great Leaders Aren’t Always Popular
In fact, the Talmud asserts (Ketubot 105b), “If a rabbinic student is beloved by the people of his city, it is not because he is a superior sage, but because he does not reproach them in spiritual matters.”
I witnessed this phenomenon firsthand. I once visited a yeshivah (school for Talmud study) where one of the rebbeim (Torah teachers) was adored by all the students—everyone was heaping praise on him. The next year, I returned and noticed a change: not everyone was as enthusiastic about him as before. I asked him what changed. He explained, “I became the mashgiach (spiritual supervisor).” As a rebbi, he was able to focus on teaching Torah and inspiring the students, so everyone loved him. Once his role required giving mussar and holding students accountable, he was naturally less popular—but that was what his role demanded.
We find a similar phenomenon with Mordechai. At the end of the Megillah, the verse describes him as “veratzuy lerov echav—popular with most of his peers (Esther 10:3).” The Talmud (Megillah 16b) explains that he was popular with most, but not all, because some members of the Sanhedrin (Supreme Court of Jewish Law) felt that his involvement in political matters came at the expense of his Torah study. The Megillah is not trying to conclude with a backhanded compliment. It is highlighting Mordechai’s strength as a leader: he was prepared to make difficult decisions, even when not everyone approved.
The Maharal explains that this balance between firmness and softness characterized Jewish leadership throughout the generations. The king established law and order, while the Kohen Gadol exercised a softer, more spiritually elevating influence. During the Second Beit Hamikdash period, this same pattern reappeared in the dual leadership of the Zugot (pairs): the Nasi (general leader) emphasized love, while the Av Beit Din (head of the Torah court of law) stressed judgement and awe.
Bringing Moshe and Aharon’s Leadership Into Our Homes
In our own lives we are also “leaders” to some degree, and need to balance these two qualities. A parent certainly needs to act with warmth and open displays of love. But there are also moments that demand firmness—the courage to make the right decision even when it won’t be popular. Some parents are afraid to say no. If a decision will upset their children or lead to “disapproval,” they cave in to their children’s pressure. But that is not healthy parenting. Leadership in the home means making decisions based on what is good for our children, not on what will win their approval.
In Short
Moshe’s lack of universal approval was a reflection of good leadership. As leader, he had to rebuke and make unpopular decisions, which meant he would not be embraced by everyone. Aharon, as Kohen Gadol, focused on peace and love and was therefore universally mourned.
Written by Rabbi Aaron Shapiro
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