We know Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt, received the Torah, and guided them through the wilderness. But did you know some traditions suggest he also served as High Priest?
It’s a fascinating idea, isn’t it? To picture Moses, not just as the lawgiver and prophet, but also performing the sacred rituals in the Mishkan, the Tabernacle.
This idea comes to us from Midrash Tehillim, a collection of interpretations on the Book of Psalms. In the context of Psalm 99, which speaks of God’s holiness and the role of priests, the Midrash delves into the relationship between Moses and Aaron.
Rabbi Yudan, citing Rabbi Yossi son of Rabbi Judah, and Rabbi Berachiah, quoting Rabbi Yehoshua ben Korcha, both suggest that throughout the forty years in the wilderness, Moses never stopped serving in the priesthood, pointing to the verse, "Moses and Aaron in their priesthood." (Psalm 99:6)
Rabbi Berachiah, in the name of Rabbi Simon, even brings a verse from Chronicles to bolster this claim: "The sons of Amram: Moses and Aaron. And Aaron was set apart to sanctify him as most holy, he and his sons forever, to offer the bread of the presence. And Moses, the man of God." (1 Chronicles 23:13-14)
The text subtly elevates Moses's role, intertwining it with Aaron's priestly duties. It's as if to say that Moses, even in his role as leader and lawgiver, was perpetually connected to the sacred service.
But it goes further. Rabbi Yehoshua ben Yossi adds another layer: during the seven days of consecration for Aaron and his sons, Moses himself served as High Priest each day! This further emphasizes the notion that Moses's connection to the priesthood was not just a passing phase, but a constant throughout that formative period.
Why is this important? What does it tell us? Perhaps it highlights the idea that true leadership isn't just about authority, but also about service and dedication to the sacred. Moses, in this view, embodies the perfect leader – one who guides the people and also humbly serves in the most holy of roles.
It challenges us to think about leadership in a more holistic way. It's not enough to simply hold a position of power; we must also be willing to serve and dedicate ourselves to something greater than ourselves. Moses, whether literally or figuratively, shows us that the greatest leaders are those who are also the greatest servants.