The Art of Being Happy for Your Friend's Success \ The Wisdom of Our Sages
D'var Torah:
"Aaron is coming to meet you, and to see you, and his heart is rejoicing" (Shemot 4:14). Why did Aaron HaKohen merit to wear the Golden Breastplate of the Kohen Gadol? The beautiful ornaments of the Kohen symbolized the inner beauty of Aaron's good heart. Where do we see that Aaron had exemplary character traits? When HaShem appeared to Moshe Rabenu at the "Burning Bush," he informed Moshe that he would lead Klal Yisrael out of the Egyptian bondage. However, Moshe expressed concern that his appointment might offend Aaron, who was Moshe's older brother. HaShem informed Moshe that not only was Aaron not offended that HaShem appointed Moshe to be the redeemer of Klal Yisrael, Aaron was sincerely happy that Moshe, his brother, was chosen for this holy task! Indeed, the Torah records for all posterity, "Aaron is coming to meet you, and to see you, and his heart is rejoicing". On the merit of Aaron's golden heart, he was chosen to wear the Golden Breastplate on his chest, near his heart.
Moral: When we give up on our own honor in order to honor our friend, we are gaining far more than we are giving up, because HaShem will bless us a thousand times for our goodness.
Application: Envision Aaron HaKohen coming to meet Moshe in the wilderness of Sinai. Sense the joy in Aaron's heart for his brother, Moshe, who HaShem chose to carry out the redemption. Imagine Aaron HaKohen wearing the Golden Breastpate on his chest, representing his golden heart of pure goodness. Practice the trait of giving up your honor, in order to honor your friend. Be happy for the good your friend receives, and merit to enjoy the sweetest blessings of HaShem.
(Based on the commentary of Rashi)
