Rashi explains, based on the Toras Kohanim: “Aharon was hesitant and afraid to approach. Moshe said to him, ‘Why are you hesitant? For this you were chosen.’”
A teaching of Rav Yitzchak Luria, the Arizal zt”l, reveals the profound truth in these words: “Why are you hesitant? For the very reason that you feel hesitant, you were chosen!”
A person who feels shame and regret for his actions, humbling himself with a contrite heart, is beloved before Hashem. The traits of humility and brokenness make a person worthy.
This is a great encouragement for those who have repented. Their hearts are broken and ashamed as they recall their sins, and they fear they have no hope, chas veshalom. But Moshe Rabbeinu taught a timeless lesson, showing us the immense power of repentance and humility and urging us not to despair over past sins.
As the prophet declares (Yechezkel 18:21-22), )חטאתו( חַטֹּאתָיווְהָרָשָׁע כִּי יָשׁוּב מִכָּל אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה... כָּל פְּשָׁעָיו אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה לֹא יִזָּכְרוּ לוֹ -If the wicked man repents from all his sins... none of the transgressions he has committed will be remembered against him. For the righteousness he has done, he shall live. Moreover, repentance born of love transforms intentional sins into merits (Yoma 86b).
There is a well-known story that the holy Saraf of Moglenitz zt”l, once visited the holy Rav Chaim Dovid Doktor, zt”l, toward the end of his life and found him despondent. The Saraf asked, “Why are you so downcast? Surely, the Torah states explicitly (Bamidbar 6:12), וְהַ יָּמִ ים הָ רִ אשֹׁנִים יִפְּלוּ -The first days shall fall away.”
As is known, Rav Chaim Dovid was a baal teshuvah who had drawn close to the holy Chozeh of Lublin and ascended to great spiritual heights.
Rav Chaim Dovid replied, “On the contrary, I do not wish for the first days to fall away, for through repentance born of love, even intentional sins become merits!”
This concept teaches us to strengthen ourselves in repentance, to clothe ourselves in holy boldness, and not to think of ourselves as sinners unworthy of entering the halls of holiness. By doing so, we can avoid the despondency that the evil inclination uses to dissuade a person from repentance, constantly reminding them of their past sins to lead them to despair. Instead, we must recognize that the gates of repentance are always open, allowing us to return to God wholeheartedly.
