You shall make garments of sanctity for Aharon your brother, for glory and splendor. (28:2)
The Kohanim were attired in special vestments that were resplendent in their beauty, as befitting the spiritual mentors of Klal Yisrael, individuals who served in the Sanctuary and represented the nation. They also represented the glory of their mission and the One before Whom they served. The Kohanim were the agents of the Jewish People who served Hashem on their behalf. Halachah teaches that the bigdei kehunah, priestly vestments, were paid for by public funds. The Kedushas HaLevi explains that since the Kohein represents the nation, it is only proper that his garments be supplied by the kahal, congregation, that he serves. When he wears these garments, he is reminded of the generosity of those who sponsored them, which increases his feelings of love and concern for their welfare. Acknowledging his responsibility will be his source of inspiration to execute his duties to the fullest extent, thereby earning Hashem’s forgiveness for the sins of the people.
Furthermore, as cited by Harav Avraham Pam, zt”l (quoted by Rabbi Sholom Smith in “Rav Pam on the Parsha”), the brachah, blessing, recited by the Kohanim prior to blessing the people is... v’tzivanu l’vareich es amo Yisrael b’ahavah, “and commanded us to bless His People with love.” The Kohanim have an obligation to bless the people with love. [This does not refer to a demonstration of love but, rather, to real emotions of love, to care, to feel for them.] The Zohar HaKadosh (Parashas Naso) contends that a Kohein who has feelings of animosity toward the congregation may not bless them because he does not carry out his obligation lovingly.
The Rosh Yeshivah understands the symbolism of the bigdei kehunah being purchased through the medium of public funds as a means to impress upon the Kohein that, as the representative of the people, he must carry out his duties in a manner that will fulfill the expectations of the people. While this idea applies initially to the Kohanim, it does not apply to them exclusively. Any person who carries the lofty mantle of klal worker must always remember that his achrayos, responsibility, is first and foremost to the community to which he has devoted himself. They have entrusted him with a task; they rely on him. He may not let them down.
Oskim b’tzarchei tzibur, those who involve themselves with the needs of the community, must do so b’emunah, with integrity and devotion. It is not about them – it is about the community that they serve. Furthermore, as the Rosh Yeshivah observes, b’emunah also means that they believe in their work and its ultimate success. (I think it goes without saying that one who does not believe in his work will not succeed.) Often, the needs of the community are vital, but not glamorous or long-range, and the chances for full success are minimal. One must not allow the limited chance of success and lack of accolades to cloud his vision of achievement. One who believes in his efforts will ultimately realize his goal. It might take time, great effort, and, possibly, bizyonos, episodes of disgrace, but if it is worth it to him, and he believes it will be with Hashem’s blessing, it will happen.
