And Moshe sent to call Dasan and Aviram the sons of Aliav, and they said, "We will not go up" (16:12) It states in the Talmud (Sanhedrin 106): "From this we learn that one should not 'hold on' to controversy." Even if several attempts to make peace have been made without success, it is forbidden to throw up one's hands and assume that nothing more can be done. Rather, one must continue one's efforts until peace is attained. Thus, despite the fact that Moshe had already spoken to Dasan and Aviram several times, he attempted one more time to dissuade them. (Rabbi Yitzchak of Vorky)
And Moshe sent to call Dasan and Aviram the sons of Aliav, and they said, "We will not go up" (16:12) Rashi says that this teaches us that we shouldn't keep up a quarrel; rather, like Moshe, we should take the initiative to make peace. Even if someone is obstinate, a new approach or strategy might work to bring about peace. One important principle for bringing about peace is the willingness to apologize; a person who sincerely loves and seeks peace will be willing to apologize, even if he doesn't believe that he did anything wrong. In the clear majority of situations, we lose nothing by saying "we're sorry" and gain much in terms of harmony and peaceful relationships. (Growth Through Torah)
“Hashem said to Aharon, ‘In their Land you shall have no heritage, and a share shall you not have among them; I am your share and your heritage among Bnei Yisrael.” (18:20) R’ Moshe Sofer z”l (the Chatam Sofer; Hungary; died 1840) comments: It is well known that it is difficult to keep one’s thoughts attached to Hashem at the same time that one is actively involved with people. For one who wants to cleave to Hashem, hitbodedut / solitude is the prescription. Aharon Hakohen, however, was able to do both simultaneously. He was always involved with people–always trying to resolve conflicts and strengthen marriages. Even so, he never left his lofty and holy position. This is what the verse means when it says, “I [Hashem] am your share and your heritage [even] *among* Bnei Yisrael.” (Torat Moshe)
Reprinted from this week’s email of R’ Yedidye Hirtenfeld’s whY I Matte parsha sheet for the Young Israel of Midwood in Brooklyn, NY
