Timeless Torah

This week’s Torah portion begins with the commandment that specifically Aaron light the Temple Menorah. That sounds fair. The other tribal princes had just been honored with inaugurating the Temple Altar, while the ‘poor’ Levites with their titular head, Aaron, had seemingly been ignored. One can imagine the disappointment, even the shame that Aaron must have felt. It therefore seems quite correct that compensation be given. Hence the mandate to Aaron, “Light the Menorah.”
What is not understood is the Bible’s unnecessary statement that Aaron did exactly “as G-d had commanded Moses.” (Numbers 8:3) Rashi comments that the Torah is commending Aaron for not deviating from his appointed task (literally, “That he did not change”). The great Chassidic master, Rabbi Meir of Premishlan (died 1850), asks: Why is this so praiseworthy that it deserves mention? Would Aaron ever have considered digressing from G-d’s instructions? Here are three answers. Pick the one that appeals to you the most.
1. Rabbi Meir explains that the Midrash states that Aaron began his ‘career’ as a man of the people. Mingling with his fellow Jews he often discovered neighborly strife. Aaron was the type of individual who could not rest until he had restored friendship to those involved. On other occasions, if he chanced upon a fellow who did not know how to pray, he would personally teach him.
Subsequently, Aaron was elevated to new heights. Being appointed the first High Priest in history must have changed his schedule dramatically. Endless planning sessions, new administrative duties, and a strict priestly code of purity surely meant that he would have to modify his daily routine, making him less accessible. And yet, Aaron “did not change.” His profound love for others did not allow him to, and so he retained his revered place among the average Israelites.
2. The Sefas Emes (who became the leader of the Gerrer chassidim at the age of 23 in 1870) says Aaron’s greatness was that, for the rest of his life he, “did not change” his level of enthusiasm. As we all know, this is quite a challenge. Compound the problem by noting that Aharon must have been supremely relieved and entirely invigorated by his ‘surprise’ appointment to light the Menorah.
To then perform the exact same ritual daily for almost 40 years as if it was the first time, is unusual, to say the least. So how did Aaron keep the excitement?
Rather than trying to remember and repeat what he did yesterday, he considered how could utilize his past experience to influence his ‘new’ opportunity. Imagine Leonardo Da Vinci trying to paint the Mona Lisa a second time by copying the original. Instead of a masterpiece, he would produce a poor imitation. To liberate your creative spirit even when confronting a repetitive action, don’t do what you did yesterday. Utilize your previous experience to approach the situation with a perspective you did not possess prior.
3. Lastly, the midrash observes that throughout the Torah’s account of creation, the expression, “And it was so,” is used. This signifies that each item was fashioned exactly, and for all time, as G-d originally intended. However, when light was created on the first day, the Biblical record does not report “and it was so,” but, “and it was light.” The reason: the actual light was not established for future generations in its original form, so that, yet-to-come, evil people would not benefit from this heavenly light. G-d therefore stored it away for later. (Keep in mind that this light is not connected to the sun, moon, or stars.) This is why the Torah omits the phrase “,”since original light was indeed changed.
When Torah describes Aaron’s act of lighting the Menorah it states, “And Aaron did So.” This is, “To tell the praise of Aaron, that he did not change.” This means that after 2,449 years, Aaron accomplished what no one else had. His holy act was so pure that when he lit the Menorah, he produced the original light of the creation. Worthy praise indeed!
Here are three approaches into what is praised in the performance of mitzvos. Don’t change in regard to others: Remain friends with your neighbors regardless of new fortune or fame. Don’t change within yourself: Be consistent with your enthusiasm. Don’t change G-d’s intent: Figure out His agenda, not yours.