Search the Community

“Shame is an essential part of a person. It is a good sign when a person feels shame, and a person who feels shame does not readily sin.” Nedarim 20a Aharon felt shame about his role in regard to the golden calf. As Kohein Gadol, he recalled his own past transgression, right before the performance of his first avodah service. According to chazal, Moshe called gently to him, saying, “Draw near (k’rav) to the Mizbeach [Altar]” (Leviticus 9:7), because he knew Aaron was hesitant to do so, as a result of his shame over this particular transgression. Even so, “Aaron drew near to the Mizbeach [Altar]” (Leviticus 9:8). The young bull offering that he offered provided atonement for the sin of the golden calf (Targum Yonaton). Despite his perceived shame, he made the offerings for his own atonement, as well as for that of the people (Leviticus 9:7; Hebrews 5:3). This was the moment that Moshe had previously mentioned to Aaron, “that the Kavod [Glory] of the L-RD will appear to you” (Exodus 9:4). All of B’nei Yisrael had been waiting after the construction of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) for this moment. “And the glory of the L-RD appeared to all the people. And there came forth fire from before the L-RD, and consumed upon the altar the burnt-offering and the fat; and when all the people saw it, they shouted, and fell on their faces” (Leviticus 9:23-24, JPS 1917 Tanach). In other words, they prostrated themselves towards H’Shem. “For I acknowledge my transgressions: and my sin is ever before me.” – Psalm 51:5 If we are ashamed because of our past sins, downcast because of our failures, burdened by our falls from great heights (as B’nei Yisrael was after the Revelation at Sinai, when they lost faith in Moses, and subsequently worshipped the golden calf); if we are steeped in our regret, as a result of not carrying out our good intentions; and our current troubles that exist, as a consequence of our short comings, are diminishing our efficacy to serve G-d; then, the L-RD calls us unto Him, asking us to lay ourselves down at the foot of the Mizbeach (Altar), so to speak, in humble recognition of our inadequacies, and surrender to Him with a contrite heart (Psalm 51:19). This is when we will see the L-RD’s greatest Glory [Kavod] appear in our lives. “When all the people saw it, they shouted, and fell upon their faces” (Leviticus 9:24, JPS). When we bow in our hearts to the sovereignty of the L-RD, and prostrate ourselves in our soul to Him, in acknowledgement of our shame and unworthiness to approach Him – only then may we begin to serve Him. It is interesting to note, that the gematria for Elokim (G-d) is 86. This is the same numerical value for the word, eved, meaning “servant.” When we approach the L-RD with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12), we are more likely to serve in humble obedience to him. “For H’Shem is the one working in you, both to will and to work according to His chafetz (good pleasure of His will).” - Kehilah in Philippi 2:13, Orthodox Jewish Bible