According to the Medrash, after Korach challenged Moshe Rabbeinu for the leadership of Klal Yisrael with his argument that “everyone is holy,” the sun and the moon both interceded before Hashem on behalf of Moshe, threatening that they would no longer illuminate the heavens if Hashem did not defend Moshe Rabbeinu.
The Maor v’Shemesh asks why it was davka the sun and the moon who intervened, and answers with another Medrash which recounts the events that occurred during Sheshes Yemei Bereishis, when the moon complained that “two kings cannot wear one crown.” Hashem’s response then was to accept the moon’s argument and diminish its brightness. Now, both heavenly lights having learned the lesson, they appreciated the idea that “two leaders cannot wear one crown.” There could be only one Moshe Rabbeinu, only one gadol hador, regardless of the fact that all Yidden are holy.
This is relevant in every Jewish home. The secular idea of total equality has no place in our homes, most fundamentally because it simply doesn’t work. That doesn’t mean to say that anyone is “less than,” and indeed, Hashem gave stars to the moon as “compensation,” but husband and wife (like sun and moon) cannot have equal and identical roles and positions. The husband is the mashpia while the wife is the mekabel; the husband is “king” and the wife is “queen.” Each one is important and worthy of respect, and each one has their specific sphere of influence and particular role to play.
