SPIRIT
TORAH PORTION
It Is All Relative
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mention Aaron. Rashi tells hat do Brian us that this omission is Doyle-Murray, intentional and that Aaron’s Frank Stallone relationship with God is less and Joey Travolta have in than that of Moses. common? You’re correct if One explanation for you answered that they are Aaron’s “second tier” status talented show busiis due to his role in ness personalities the Golden Calf story. While Moses is on who have a more Mount Sinai, receiving famous brother. the Torah, the Israelites Then there’s demand that Aaron Tommie Aaron. He help them build a false was a quite decent Rabbi Elliot god to worship, and major league baseball Pachter Aaron seems to complayer in the 1960s ply. and early 1970s. Parshat Tzav: While seemingly Though Tommie Leviticus inappropriate behavior Aaron didn’t merit 6:1-8:36; for a leader of Israel, induction into the Jeremiah it is also noteworthy Hall of Fame, his 7:21-8:3; that Aaron is not punachievements would 9:22-23. ished for his dubious normally merit the act. In fact, the great praise and pride of sage Hillel describes Aaron one’s hometown and family. as a lover and pursuer of But Tommie Aaron is the peace. In other words, our brother of Hank Aaron. rabbis see Aaron’s building Tommie does share the the Golden Calf as a means record, with Hank, of most of keeping peace in the career home runs by brothIsraelite community until ers, 768, far outdistancing Moses returns. the three Dimaggio brothThough not as strong ers. or effective a leader as his Turning from baseball to younger brother, Aaron, Torah, the name Aaron is nonetheless, plays a vital still associated with a less role in Jewish history. In the famous brother. Moses’ battle with Amalek. Aaron older brother, Aaron, has was chosen to be one of the remarkable accomplishtwo people to hold Moses’ ments — as Judaism’s first arms in the air, thereby high priest, a prophet and ensuring an Israelite victory. the one who accompanied Is Aaron as great as his Moses when speaking before brother Moses? Certainly Pharaoh. not. But is Aaron a leader, a Yet, Aaron always lived positive contributor to Jewish in the shadow of his more history and, in many ways, a famous brother. more achievable role model Parashat Tzav begins for all of whom will never be with God telling Moses to like Moses? Yes, indeed. command Aaron regarding the priestly rituals — indiRabbi Elliot Pachter is the cating that Aaron plays an rabbinic adviser at the Frankel important role. However, Jewish Academy and rabbi emeritus in the opening of Leviticus, at Congregation B’nai Moshe, both in when calling out to Moses, West Bloomfield. God specifically does not
Thursday, May 12, 2022 T E M P L E I S R A E L O U T D O O R PAV I L I O N 6:15 PM REGISTRATION 7:00 PM PROGRAM ADMISSION $65 After being a finalist on the NBC show Last Comic Standing, comedian Gary Gulman is shining a spotlight on mental health in his HBO special, The Great Depresh, from executive producer Judd Apatow. With humor, vulnerability, and honesty, Gary destigmatizes mental illness, normalizes treatment and offers hope. Join us as he takes the stage for a night of comedy and connection.
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MARCH 17 • 2022
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