Hashem’s Presence, through Love

Even after a week of consecration for the Holy Tabernacle, the Jews still did not merit for G-d Himself to consecrate the Tabernacle. Only when Aaron brought his sacrifice on the eighth day, did G-d finally manifest His awesome Glory. The sages teach: “Be a student of Aaron: love peace, pursue peace, love all creatures, and bring them close to Torah.” These virtues of Aaron accomplished more than all the Seven Days of Consecration. More

Even after a week of consecration for the Holy Tabernacle, the Jews still did not merit for G-d Himself to consecrate the Tabernacle. Only when Aaron brought his sacrifice on the eighth day, did G-d finally manifest His awesome Glory.

The sages teach: “Be a student of Aaron: love peace, pursue peace, love all creatures, and bring them close to Torah.” These virtues of Aaron accomplished more than all the Seven Days of Consecration.

This love begins in material matters. Abraham, the first Jew, was concerned with bringing the world to recognize and praise G-d. But he first provided for their physical needs, giving them the finest food and drink. Only then did he urge them to acknowledge and thank G-d.

The Baal Shem Tov, founder of Chassidism, also concerned himself first with providing the material needs of every Jew. Only after their physical needs were met, would he reach out to them also in spiritual matters.

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