Guest Columnists
Where Was Aaron?

Question:

We know about Moses. The Torah tells us about him and his adventures from the moment he is born. But what about Aaron? Where was he before his younger brother arrived from Midian and suddenly appointed him his attaché?

Response:

That is a great question! The Bible tells us nothing about Aaron’s early life. However, we can reconstruct an image of his childhood from Midrashic sources. The Midrash1 tells us that Amram, father of Miriam, Aaron and Moses, was the head of the Sanhedrin (central governing body). As such, Aaron grew up in a home of public service, leadership and devotion. We further read2 that Aaron prophesied to his brethren in Egypt that G‑d would redeem them. As such, G‑d selecting him to assist his brother Moses was a natural choice.

Please let me know if this helps.

Yours truly,

Rabbi Menachem Posner