After the Torah describes all the many ways in which the Jewish People are to keep away from impure and harmful relationships, this week’s parshah opens with a warning that the kohanim must be even more careful in this area.
The Orach Lechaim notes that one of the reasons kohanim must be more cautious is that they are tasked with bringing people closer to one another and to Hashem.
Whenever one tries to bring people closer either to one another, or to Torah observance, there is a danger that the proximity can become problematic. Those engaged in kiruv rechokim are sometimes exposed to harmful influences. Similarly, those who try to help others repair their shalom bayis may be exposed to painful situations. Knowing how to keep a safe distance even while engaging in such holy matters is key to safeguarding oneself. Furthermore, many people who try to fix other people’s relationships end up letting their own relationships (with a spouse, with children etc.) suffer as a result.
Knowing which relationships take precedence is essential. In most cases, there’s no need to choose between them; one only needs to be aware of which one to focus on and which takes second place.
