In The Paths of Our Fathers: Chapter One

Hillel And Shammai Received [The Oral Tradition] From Them. Hillel Said: "Be Of The Disciples Of Aharon, Loving Peace And Pursuing Peace, Loving The Created Beings, And Bringing Them Near To The Torah."

Be Of The Disciples Of Aharon... Loving The Created Beings, And Bringing Them Near To The Torah

The use of the term "created beings" instead of "people" implies that Aharon would reach out to individuals whose only redeeming virtue was the fact that they were G-d's creations.[41]

Aharon's concern for his fellow man was all the more impressive because of his exalted position as High Priest. Leaving the Sanctuary where G-d's Presence was openly revealed, he would reach out to people who had no virtue other than their having been created by G-d.[42]

The order used in the mishnah is also significant. It implies that Aharon first concerned himself with establishing a relationship of love and trust, confidant that this would in turn enable him to draw them near to the Torah.[43]

Also significant is the phrase, "bringing them near to the Torah." Although Aharon reached out to these individuals and tried to accommodate them to the fullest degree possible, his efforts were centered on "bringing them near to the Torah," and not, , bringing the Torah near to them.

His willingness to extend himself on behalf of others did not involve any compromise of Torah law.

(Sichos Shabbos Kedoshim, 5727; Sichos Acharon Shel Pesach, 5736; Sichos Matos-Masei, 5737)

Notes:

(Back to text) See Tanya, ch. 32.

(Back to text) There is an added dimension of self-sacrifice to Aharon's conduct. While outside the Sanctuary dealing with people on this level, it is very possible that Aharon would contract ritual impurity and this would require him to remain outside the Sanctuary for an even longer period. Nevertheless, he was willing to take this risk to spread love and unity.

(Back to text) Shir HaShirim Rabbah (ch. 2, second order, sec. 19) explains that G-d followed the same pattern. First He revealed miracles and wonders for the Jews while redeeming them from Egypt, despite their low spiritual level. Only afterwards did He give them the Torah on Mount Sinai.