Yud-Alef Nissan, 5722

Sefer HaMaamarim - Yud-Alef Nissan, p. 53ff.

"And spoke to Moshe after the death of the two sons of Aharon when they drew close before G-d and died."[53] As is well known, the maamarim of Chassidus[54] focus on the seeming redundancy in the verse: "after the death of" and "when they... died." After the first phrase, the second seems unnecessary. Why then is it stated?

Also, we must understand the reason for the death [of Aharon's sons]. The Midrash offers[55] several opinions. ([These points are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary,] "these and these are the words of the living G-d,"[56] [and each one contributes to our comprehension of the subject].) Among the reasons given are:

1. they entered the innermost chamber;[57]

2. they entered while intoxicated;

3. they entered without wearing the required garments;

4. they did not have children; and

5. they did not marry.

None of these matters are explicitly stated in the Torah. Instead, they are alluded to by the [seemingly] redundant wording [in the verse,] "After the death... when they died." It follows from this, that the concept of "drawing close to G-d" (which led to) "and they died" contains several particulars, and yet the entire matter is considered as one sin. The rationale for this requires explanation.

Moreover, explanation is necessary with regard to the general concept of the death of Aharon's two sons. In this context, Moshe told Aharon:[58] "This is what G-d spoke, saying: "I will be sanctified by those close to Me, and before the entire nation will I be glorified." [Rashi[59] interprets this as follows:]

Moshe told Aharon: "I knew that [G-d's] dwelling would be consecrated with [the death of] those familiar with the Omnipresent. I thought that it would be with my [death] or yours. Now I see that that they are greater than me and than you."

Since [the death of Aharon's sons] is described with the verse: "I will be sanctified by those close to Me," how could their death be considered something undesirable?

   

Notes:

53. (Back to text) Vayikra 15:1.

54. (Back to text) The maamarim entitled Acharei,5649 {which was published on Nissan 11, 5722 (the date of the Rebbe's sixtieth birthday) and afterwards, in Sefer HaMaamarim 5649, p. 233} and 5675 (the series of maamarim entitled BeShaah SheHikdimu 5672, Vol. II, p. 960).

55. (Back to text) Vayikra Rabbah 20:8.

56. (Back to text) Eruvin 13b.

57. (Back to text) [I.e., the Holy of Holies.]

58. (Back to text) Vayikra 10:3.

59. (Back to text) In his commentary to Vayikra, ibid., based on the interpretation of the verse in Toras Kohanim and in Vayikra Rabbah 12:2.