Aaron Burr anxiously awaited the result of the tie-breaking vote in the United States House of Representatives. Deadlocked with Thomas Jefferson in the 1800 race for the presidency, Burr had reason to believe that the House would declare him the winner. However, he lost and bitterness gnawed at his soul. Nurturing grievances against Alexander Hamilton for not supporting his race for the presidency. Burr killed Hamilton in a gun duel less than four years later. Outraged by the killing, his country turned his back on him and Burr died a dour old man.
Political power plays are tragic part of history. How
human of us to want what’s not rightfully ours! No matter how hard we pursue
power, prestige or possessions, is never quite enough. We always want something
more.
Thank God, Moses didn’t succumb to jealousy when his
brother Aaron was selected to be the High Priest in this week’s Torah portion
Tetzaveh. At first he want to be the High Priest not to accrue glory for
himself, but for the opportunity to fulfill the High Priest’s mitzvot.
According to
Yalkut May-am Lo’ez, God told him that the crown Torah which was given to
Israel by his hand and through which the world exists was enough for one
person. Moses wouldn’t be able to do both jobs, lawgiver who judged the people
and High Priest who took care of the sacrificial cult, well. If Moses wouldn’t
be able to judge the people and teach them the laws, the world would not be
able to exist. Hearing God’s explanation, Moses was satisfied with this role in
Jewish history. Moses’ name of never appears in this week’s Torah in this
week’s Torah portion because he did not want to over shadow his brother’s
appointment to the High Priesthood. He let the spotlight shine upon Aaron. Tragedy
was averted
Ironically, selfishly pursuing our own ambitions never
brings us to our truest deepest longings. We would do well to follow Moses’ example.
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