A Trek with G-d

G-d established the authority of Aaron the High Priest by putting the Twelve Tribes to a test: Each tribe was to bring forth a staff representing its leader and leave it in the Tabernacle overnight. By morning, Aaron’s staff had miraculously sprouted buds and almonds.

The lesson: G-d gives every Jew a “staff” for support. As one walks in the journey of life it is possible that challenges along the way may exhaust him. So G-d gives him a “staff of holiness” - infused with the holiness of the Tabernacle. This also enables one to transform the physical world into a support for G-dliness.

The staff of Aaron demonstrates an additional blessing: Even the inanimate parts of this world, - that which, on its own, is “lifeless,” waiting to be enlivened by Judaism - can blossom and brighten Jewish life. The Jew is empowered to achieve this even faster than he ever could imagine - like almonds, which grow speedily.