Parashat Sh’mini: A Midrash on Moses and Aaron
(Torah study led by Rabbi J.B. Sacks on April 6, 2024)
Leviticus 10:20
וַיִּשְׁמַ֣ע מֹשֶׁ֔ה וַיִּיטַ֖ב בְּעֵינָֽיו׃
When Moses heard this, he approved
BT Z’vachim 101b (= Sifra, Sh’mini, 2:12)
“וייטב בעיניו”–הוֹדָה וְלֹא בוֹשׁ לוֹמַר לֹא שָׁמַעְתִּי (זבחים ק”א):
AND IT WAS PLEASING IN HIS EYES—Moses admitted [that Aaron was correct]–and Moses was not ashamed, [covering up his error by] saying, “I have not heard [this law].” [Rather, Moses stated, “I did know of it and forgot
Our Discussion/For Your Reflection:
- How do you understand the difference between genuine modesty and false modesty?
- Can a particularly accomplished person recognize their own greatness and still be modest? Why or why not?
- Recall a time when you came to recognize and acknowledge that you were wrong and another person was correct. Did admitting your mistake affect the relationship?
- Can you describe an act of humility that you find inspiring?
- How do you continue to be mindful of Shabbat, even during the week?
- Is there anything about Passover that inspires humility?