YU TORAH NAALEH.COM Shmini 5774 Cautionary Closeness By Mrs. Shira Smiles

With the completion of the Mishkan, the time had come to put it to its intended use, as the place where the altar was erected and the kohanim could offer the sacrifices. Moshe instructs Aharon and his sons to bring the sin and elevation offerings. “This is the thing that Hashem has commanded you to do; then the glory of Hashem will appear to you.” It seems that Aharon hesitated, for Moshe again addresses him saying, “Come near to the Altar and perform the service of your sin offering and your elevation offering and provide atonement for yourself and for them, as Hashem has commanded.” Only after this second urging does Aharon come near the Altar and perform the service. Two obvious questions present themselves: Why did Aharon hesitate to perform the service, and how did Moshe convince him to move forward? click here for Summary by Channie Koplowitz Stein