Why was Aharon depressed?
The first Rashi in this week’s parsha deals with this question as he explains the juxtaposition between the first topic in parshat Behaalotecha—for Aharon to light the Menorah (8:1–5), and the last topic in parshat Naso—the 12-day dedication ceremony of the mizbeach (7:1–88): “Why is the parsha of the Menorah juxtaposed to ‘Chanukat haNesiim’ (the special offering brought by the princes of each tribe)? When Aharon saw the daily dedication offering by the Nesiim, he became depressed, because neither he—nor his shevet—took part in this ceremony. God assured Aharon, saying: “Do not worry, your portion is greater than theirs, for you are to light and attend the menorah every morning and evening.”
Considering that Aharon is, indeed, at the center of attention and very busy during each day of the dedication ceremony, why should he have become depressed?
To understand Aharon’s reaction (according to the midrash) we must consider the political realities of his predicament. Bnei Yisrael are about to leave Har Sinai and begin their journey to conquer and inherit the land of Israel. Although Aharon is indeed a very key figure during Bnei Yisrael’s short stay in the desert, he is apprehensive about what will most probably take place once Bnei Yisrael leave Har Sinai. The focus of national attention will shift to the excitement of military initiatives and political enterprise. Har Sinai, and maybe even the Mishkan, will soon be “long forgotten.”
Once the conquest of Eretz Canaan begins, it will be the 12 Nesiim (the tribal leaders) who will hold the highest positions of national leadership. They will establish economic policy; they will make treaties with foreign dignitaries; they will make speeches at national gatherings; they will lead the nation in war.
Thus, it is quite understandable why Aharon becomes depressed. When he sees the attention that the 12 Nesiim receive, he realizes the insignificance of his position within the emerging national leadership. What ministry post will he receive? In his own eyes, he may have begun to view his job as merely the “shamash” (a beadle/attendant) taking care of the Mishkan. Indeed, a very technical job at best.
What is the significance of God’s consolation—that he will light the Menorah?
Although the midrash is well aware of Aharon’s numerous responsibilities in the Mishkan, it chooses specifically the menorah to symbolize an additional aspect of his national duties, i.e., teaching God’s laws to the people.
Once Bnei Yisrael enters the land, teaching the laws of the Torah will become the primary duty of the Kohanim and Levi’im. Since their work is divided into 24-week shifts, the average Kohen or Levi would find himself working in the Mishkan only two weeks a year. Therefore, most of their time would be spent teaching and judging the people. It was for this reason that their cities are scattered throughout the 12 tribes of Israel.
Thus, the Menorah may symbolize specifically this duty of the Kohanim—“chinuch,” teaching. If the purpose of the Menorah is to spread light, then the purpose of the Kohanim is to spread Torah to the entire nation. This understanding can explain why Aharon is consoled when told that it is his job to light the Menorah.
To read the full shiur, please go to tanach.org/bamidbar/bhal/shiur2.htm.
Rabbi Menachem Leibtag is an internationally acclaimed Tanach scholar and online Jewish education pioneer. He is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).