A guest post by Rabbi Aaron Fink (my father), Dean of Ateres Bais Yaakov in Monsey NY. Part of a weekly Dvar Torah (Torah “Thought”) series.
Parshas Tzav
Ears, Thumbs and Toes
The Parsha details the process of the consecration and training of Aharon Hakohein and his sons to serve in their capacity as Kohanim in the newly erected Mishkan. Moshe Rabbeinu guides them through all necessary procedures. They don the priestly vestments and are anointed with the shemen hamishcha. Finally, a variety of Korbanos are brought, and a sacrificial rite completes their transformation. Upon closer examination it is interesting to note that sacrificial blood from the eil hamiluim was specifically placed on the ear, thumb and big toe of Aharon and his sons. Why? What appears at first glance to be a bizarre ritual, actually offers a lesson in leadership of the highest degree.
The ears represent ones ability to listen. A true leader must be able to tune in and be sensitive to the needs of his constituency. He must “hear” both the spoken and unspoken words of those he is serving. Only when we really listen can we hope to meet another’s needs.
The bohen yado – -the Kohein’s thumb- symbolizes the koach haydayim, “the power of one’s hands”. Effective leaders must have the capacity to focus their handiwork, creativity and productivity on the needs of the Klal. Leadership is a hands–on activity. In addition, an integral part of leadership lies in the ability to empowers others. This accomplished by lending a hand, giving others the tools to succeed rather than doing it for them.
The bohen raglo- – the big toe upon which the blood of the Korban was sprinkled-is a call to action. The foot represents one’s driving force of movement. The direction of leadership, too, needs to be guided and energized with the blood of spiritual sacrifice. Devotion to a calling requires us to put our “best foot forward” as we drive ourselves toward the Torah goals we need to achieve. The standards for personal and communal Avodah are clear. We must strive and step toward them at home, at work or at play.
At Har Sinai all of Klal Yisrael was referred to as a mamleches Kohanim. As His ambassadors, there are priestly tasks for us all to master. Sensitivity, productivity and direction are all critical components of the “Kohanic” role each Jew is to play. Applied properly, these maxims can help us reach that spiritual potential of our daily Avados Hashem. In so doing, we can make our Mikdash Me’at a true repository for Gilui Shechina each and every day and merit the eil hamilum even sooner.
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