Our ancestors found themselves on the banks of the Yom Suf with
no where to go. The Egyptian army was quickly approaching with ill intent. An
argument sparked amongst the people; the waters weren't splitting and no one
wanted to jump in. At last Nachshon Ben Aminadov took his chances and hurled
himself into the water. He was the catalyst, and the waters split. (Sotah 37a)
Hashem, as is His modus operandi (Ramban, Bereishis 22:1),
delayed this miracle to give Nachshon opportunity to actualize his courage.
Perhaps Aharon saw this kernel of potential in Nachshon.
Therefore, he married Elisheva, Nachshon’s sister, hoping his sons would be
fashioned with congruent genes. (see Bava Basra 110a quoted in Rashi, Shemos
6:23, 'Most sons are similar to the brothers of the mother.')
No stranger to such heroism, Aharon possessed a dauntless force
of character. Aharon was an admirer and seeker of peace (Avos 1). He actively
pursued it. If two disgruntled folks got into an altercation without aspiration
of mending he would intervene. He would approach each individual and inform
them falsely that the other fellow wanted to apologize. This action would spur
a meeting between them resulting in their making up. (Rav, ibid quoting Avos
D'Rebbe Nosson).
Even though perpetuating falsehood for the sake of Sholom is
sanctioned (see Tosfos, Bava Metzia 23b), Aharon put himself into a precarious
position. A sense of fear must've
riddled his psyche. What if they find out that he was lying? What sort
consequences of embarrassment would ensue? Nonetheless, he was courageous. The
same trait as his brother-in-law's propelled him forward.
Maharal (Tiferes Yisrael, chapter 36) explains that the Decalogue
contains two pairs of five statements that mirror each other. The first set
deals with the Creator while the second deals with the created. While Hashem is
the pinnacle of creation, the homosapien is at the apex of the Universe. There
is nothing that's not affected by Man's actions (Nefesh HaChaim 1:4). The
entire Universe is at his disposal and reach. He is the purpose of creation.
Therefore, one of the most hideous crimes that one can perpetrate
against humanity is murder. To emphasize this point, 'do not kill' is
positioned in the Decalogue at number six, which is the first of the statements
to deal with people. To blot out the human being is the worst crime because he
is the best of creation. He can overcome any obstacle, even fear. He is
dauntless and courageous.
Don't be scared! The fire may seem too hot, the water too cold,
the slope too steep, the mountain insurmountable, and people could make fun of
us. But we have a mission to serve Hashem. Nothing stands in our way!
-for the Kollel Connection 2/17/17
