Today, we're diving into a passage from Vayikra Rabbah, a collection of rabbinic interpretations of the Book of Leviticus, that explores just that. It revolves around the verse: "Command Aaron and his sons, saying: This is the law of the burnt offering..." (Leviticus 6:2).
But what does a burnt offering have to do with divine anger and love? Our sages connect this command to a profound idea expressed in Proverbs 10:12: "Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all transgressions." It's a powerful juxtaposition that exposes the delicate balance between divine judgment and divine grace.
Rabbi Shmuel bar Naḥman paints a stark picture. He says that for almost nine hundred years, the "hatred between Israel and their Father in Heaven" lay dormant, from the Exodus until the time of Ezekiel. Think about that! Nine centuries of potential discord simmering beneath the surface. According to Ginzberg's retelling in Legends of the Jews, that's a lot of time for things to go wrong! This hatred, according to Rabbi Shmuel, was stirred up by Israel's sins, leading to severe judgments. Ezekiel 20:7-9 illustrates this point, where God laments Israel's refusal to abandon the "detestable objects" and idols of Egypt. Yet, God acted "for the sake of My name," to avoid profanation. It's a moment of restraint, a hint of the love that can cover transgressions.
But the story doesn't end there. The Midrash takes an even more personal turn, focusing on Aaron and the infamous Golden Calf.
The Midrash suggests that the "hatred" mentioned in Proverbs refers to the hatred Aaron inadvertently placed between Israel and God through the incident of the Golden Calf. Rabbi Asi offers a fascinating interpretation: Aaron would take the people's offerings for the calf and, instead of using them, would flatten the idol before them, telling them it had no substance. While some suggest the word "hammer" should replace "offering," (Etz Yosef) either way, it paints a picture of Aaron trying to mitigate the damage.
Moses, of course, was not pleased. He confronts Aaron, asking, "What did this people do to you, that you have brought such great sin upon them?" (Exodus 32:21). Aaron's response, as interpreted here, is heartbreaking: he wished they would be judged as unwitting sinners rather than intentional ones. This is a critical moment. It highlights Aaron's desperate attempt to protect his people, even as he participated in their transgression. But God, as we know, held individuals accountable: "Whoever has sinned against Me, I will eradicate him from My book" (Exodus 32:33). Deuteronomy 9:20 even tells us that God was "very angry with Aaron, to destroy him!" Rabbi Yehoshua of Sikhnin, citing Rabbi Levi, understands this "destruction" as the loss of Aaron's children. The stakes couldn't be higher.
But remember, "love covers all transgressions." What saved Aaron? It was Moses's prayer on his behalf.
Rabbi Mana of Sheab and Rabbi Yehoshua of Sikhnin, again in the name of Rabbi Levi, offer a beautiful interpretation. Throughout the beginning of Leviticus, we repeatedly hear of "Aaron's sons, the priests" performing various rituals. Moses argues before God: "The cistern is hated but its waters are beloved. You accorded honor to the trees because of their produce…but to Aaron you do not accord honor due to his sons?" (referencing Mishna Tamid 2:3). In other words, Moses pleads for Aaron to be honored despite his failings, just as other entities are valued for their positive attributes.
God's response is powerful: "As you live, for your sake I will draw him near. Moreover, I will render him primary and his sons ancillary: 'Command Aaron and his sons, saying.'" This is the key! The very verse we started with is, in a sense, a direct result of Moses's love and advocacy for Aaron. The order is flipped; Aaron is mentioned before his sons, a testament to Moses's intercession and God's willingness to forgive.
So, what does this all mean for us? This passage from Vayikra Rabbah reminds us that even in the face of grave errors, love, advocacy, and a willingness to see the good in others can sway even the most severe judgment. It encourages us to cultivate love, not hatred, and to remember that even when we stumble, there is always the possibility of redemption. The fire of divine judgment may burn, but the fire of divine love, fueled by human compassion, can ultimately prevail.