5784/2024
This week's Parashah, Parashat Tetzaveh, outlines the special attire for the Kohanim and the process of sanctifying the Kohanim into their new role. For sanctification, the Torah states that the Kohanim will need one bull, two rams, matzah, etc. Describing this process, the Passuk states “וְהָיָה֩ לְאַהֲרֹ֨ן וּלְבָנָ֜יו לְחָק־עוֹלָ֗ם”, “It will be for Aharon and his sons as a חָק־עוֹלָ֗ם” (Shemot 29:28). What does חָק־עוֹלָ֗ם mean?
Rashi answers the question by saying that חָק־עוֹלָ֗ם means a Korban Shelamim. But if חָק־עוֹלָ֗ם means a Korban Shelamim, then why wouldn't the Torah say Korban Shelamim? What message is the Torah trying to tell us by using the phrase חָק־עוֹלָ֗ם?
This question is answered with a beautiful insight by Rav Yekusiel Yehuda Teitelbaum in his sefer Yetav Lev. Rav Teitelbaum quotes the passuk “, “I have an important command to share the following: Hashem said to me: you are my son, today I gave birth to you” (Tehillim 2:7) Rav Teitelbaum explains that at first glance, Dovid HaMelech appears arrogant. But David Hamelech begins with אֲסַפְּרָ֗ה אֶֽ֫ל־חֹ֥ק, I have an important command. חֹ֥ק means a command or mitzvah, which we do not know the reason for. What Dovid HaMelech was saying is “I am Hashem's child, but it is a חֹ֥ק to me; I don't see the reason; I don't deserve it.” That is what Hashem is telling Aharon and his sons. You were promoted to work in the Mishkan. But this promotion is חָק־עוֹלָ֗ם. You must see this promotion as a חֹ֥ק. You must stay humble. This is a powerful message for all of us. Hashem gives all of us incredible gifts but we must remember that we are not entitled to the great things Hashem gives us and stay humble. We have to thank Hashem for His Chessed that for which we are not necessarily worthy.