"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.
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.
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)"It is good to thank HaShem and to sing praise to Your Name, Most High. To retell of Your kindness in the morning and Your faithfulness in the nights" (Tehillim 92). The Torah enlightens us, as to where we can most clearly discover HaShem's Kingship and Kindness directly impacting our lives, each and every day. Specifically, when we go to sleep in the evening, we entrust our weary soul and tired body to HaShem's excellent and ever-present care. Amazingly, HaShem's eternal faithfulness and kindness is clearly evident each morning when we awaken refreshed, revitalized, and renewed. The Prophet Isaiah so beautifully proclaimed this very truth, "He has established His Throne in kindness" (Isaiah 16:5).
The Throne of HaShem's eternal Kingship and Kindness is established within the fabric of our very lives. Our awakening each morning feeling re-energized is the clearest testimony of HaShem's eternal faithfulness. Our morning prayers grant us the opportunity to express our joyous thanks to HaShem for His unbounded kindness.
Envision King David awakening in the morning. Sense the joy he feels in recognizing how wondrously HaShem renewed his spirit. When you awaken in the morning reflect on the verse, "It is good to thank HaShem and to sing praise to Your Name, Most High. To retell of Your kindness in the morning and Your faithfulness in the nights." Let your awareness of HaShem's kindness move your soul and inspire your morning prayers to be filled with heartfelt joy.
(Based on the commentary of the Nodeh B'Yehudah)
