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Why HaShem Loved Aaron HaKohen
D'var Torah: When the dedication of the Sanctuary took place, the prince of each tribe was asked to bring an offering. Yet, the tribe of Levi was not assigned to bring an offering. Aaron HaKohen, the prince of the Levites, felt discouraged, "All the princes brought an offering. I was the only prince who did not have a share in these offerings." HaShem responded to Aaron, "All the other tribes brought one single offering on the alter. You will light the Menorah every day in the inner chamber of the Sanctuary." Even more, HaShem proclaimed, "The lights of the Menorah that Aaron HaKohen kindles in the sanctuary are more precious to me than the sun and the moon that I placed in the heavens!" Why was Aaron's lighting of the Menorah so beloved to HaShem? Aaron was not disheartened because he felt insulted that he was excluded. Rather, Aaron's sadness stemmed from his humility; he thought he was not worthy to bring an offering in the dedication ceremony. This is an example of the verse, "HaShem hears the desire of the humble" (Tehillim 10). Meaning, HaShem looks into a person's heart to see whether his desire to serve HaShem stems from humility or from self-importance. Moral: There is nothing as precious to HaShem as when a person's motivation to serve HaShem springs from humility. Application: Envision Aaron HaKohen seeing all of the princes bring offerings, except for him. Sense the sadness in his heart of wanting to serve HaShem, but feeling he is unworthy to bring an offering. Hear HaShem console Aaron by assuring him that his lighting of the Menorah is more significant in HaShem's eyes, than the great lights of the sun and moon. Sense Aaron's joy in knowing how much HaShem desires his service. Transpose Aaron's humility to your heart and yearn to serve HaShem. (Based on Midrash Tanchumah)
The Salant Foundation is currently looking for a Shul or community to partner with us in sharing the merit of the unique and important Salant Kollel. There are practical and easy ways (such as adoptakollel.org) to create a special mutual relationship between the Kollel and a Shul or community. If you think your shul or community or even workplace might want to participate in supporting the Salant Kollel, please contact Rabbi Zvi Miller at salantorg@gmail.com, and we'll discuss how to go about implementing your idea. Thank you. | 
