This week’s parsha begins with the painful scene of Korach’s challenge to Moshe. With a large gathering of leaders of the nation, Korach stands before Moshe and Aharon and challenges Aharon’s appointment as Kohein Gadol, claiming that Moshe was simply taking honor for his own family. Moshe is so deeply struck by Korach’s onslaught that he simply collapses and falls on his face.
The Ramba’n notes that the Torah does not mention Aharon’s reaction. He explains that this is because Aharon had no reaction. Due to Aharon’s great humility and his ethical and holy nature he did not respond in any way during Korach’s rebellion. He remained silent throughout, as if he agreed that Korach was greater than him and he was only following Moshe’s orders to be the Kohein Gadol. (Bamidbar 16:4)
If we could put ourselves in Aharon’s place, this is an astounding and inspiring display of the nobility which a human being can strive for. Korach had riled the nation, beginning with the leaders to challenge Aharon’s worthiness for is position. Unexpectedly Aharon suddenly finds himself surrounded by hundreds of noble leaders, all declaring him unworthy. The shame must have been painful. At the same time, Aharon knew that Hashem had chosen him. He must have felt such righteous indignation at being challenge. This challenge then built and continued until the next day when Korach gathered the entire nation against Moshe and Aharon. Yet, through it all, Aharon chose silence. He could not bring himself to stand up and proclaim his own worthiness. He even went so far as to accept their challenge and present himself as if he truly was unworthy of his G-d given position. Such is the nobility and dignity which a human being can achieve.
If we consider the scene further, though, Aharon’s reaction would seem to be a grave error. Aharon was in effect agreeing with Korach. When others would see Aharon’s silence, they would surely take that as an indication that Korach was right. Why was it necessary for him to present himself as if he agreed with Korach that he wasn’t worthy? Aharon was a man who chased and sought peace wherever he went. Surely he recognized that he was lending strength to Korach’s rebellion by indicating Korach was right. Wouldn’t it have sufficed for Aharon to simply step aside and recuse himself, and simply show he was willing to do whatever was decided? Why did he have to imply that he also felt he should not be the Kohein Gadol?
The Ramba’n’s words answer this question with an astounding lesson. He tells us that it was because of Aharon’s holy and humble character that he chose to be silent. If Aharon would do anything less than to agree with Korach’s challenge, it would have required him to indicate that he did consider himself worthy. To Aharon’s great and noble character, any such conduct felt like he was elevating himself above others. Actively elevating one’s self over others is an act of haughtiness and pride. Just as G-d does not want us to violate the mitzvos, G-d does not want us to violate our character. Aharon therefore felt that despite the effect it might have, he had to accept Korach’s challenge. He could not lower himself to indicate that he was indeed worthy.
Aharon understood that our personality and character development is precious to G-d. G-d loves each and every person individually, even more than a parent loves each of their children. Our existence in this world is for the purpose of utilizing its opportunities to become the best person we can be. Once Aharon had achieved this high level of sensitivity and humility, he understood that G-d would not want him to damage it.
As we go through our daily routine lives, it is easy to see ourselves as small and insignificant. We don’t see any obvious impact to our decisions, words and actions. This Ramba’n teaches us that the impact we have on our own character is already of great significance. Every time we deepen our sensitivities we have achieved something of great importance before G-d, because each one of us individually is G-d’s precious child.
