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Numbers 20:28 - Leadership's solemn passing moment.

Numbers 20:28 - במדבר 20:28

Hebrew Text

וַיַּפְשֵׁט מֹשֶׁה אֶת־אַהֲרֹן אֶת־בְּגָדָיו וַיַּלְבֵּשׁ אֹתָם אֶת־אֶלְעָזָר בְּנוֹ וַיָּמָת אַהֲרֹן שָׁם בְּרֹאשׁ הָהָר וַיֵּרֶד מֹשֶׁה וְאֶלְעָזָר מִן־הָהָר׃

English Translation

And Moshe stripped Aharon of his garments, and put them upon El῾azar his son; and Aharon died there in the top of the mount: and Moshe and El῾azar came down from the mountain.

Transliteration

Va'yafsheet Moshe et-Aharon et-b'gadav va'yalbesh otam et-El'azar b'no va'yamot Aharon sham b'rosh ha'har va'yered Moshe v'El'azar min-ha'har.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּפְשֵׁט֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה אֶֽת־אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת־בְּגָדָ֗יו וַיַּלְבֵּ֤שׁ אֹתָם֙ אֶת־אֶלְעָזָ֣ר בְּנ֔וֹ וַיָּ֧מׇת אַהֲרֹ֛ן שָׁ֖ם בְּרֹ֣אשׁ הָהָ֑ר וַיֵּ֧רֶד מֹשֶׁ֛ה וְאֶלְעָזָ֖ר מִן־הָהָֽר׃
וַיַּפְשֵׁט֩ מֹשֶׁ֨ה אֶֽת־אַהֲרֹ֜ן אֶת־בְּגָדָ֗יו וַיַּלְבֵּ֤שׁ אֹתָם֙ אֶת־אֶלְעָזָ֣ר בְּנ֔וֹ וַיָּ֧מׇת אַהֲרֹ֛ן שָׁ֖ם בְּרֹ֣אשׁ הָהָ֑ר וַיֵּ֧רֶד מֹשֶׁ֛ה וְאֶלְעָזָ֖ר מִן־הָהָֽר׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Passing of Aharon and the Transfer of Kehunah

The verse describes the transition of the Kehunah (priesthood) from Aharon to his son Elazar, marking a significant moment in Jewish leadership. Rashi (Bamidbar 20:26) explains that Moshe removed Aharon's garments—the Bigdei Kehunah (priestly vestments)—and dressed Elazar in them, symbolizing the formal transfer of the priestly role. This act was done while Aharon was still alive, demonstrating that the succession was divinely ordained and not merely a posthumous inheritance.

Aharon's Death on Har HaHor

The Torah emphasizes that Aharon died "at the top of the mountain," which, according to the Midrash (Tanchuma, Chukat 10), was a unique and honorable departure. Unlike ordinary deaths, Aharon's passing was peaceful and accompanied by a divine "kiss," as described in the Talmud (Bava Batra 17a), which lists Aharon among the few righteous individuals who died in this manner. The location—Har HaHor—was chosen by Hashem, as Aharon had no say in the matter, underscoring the principle that a tzaddik's death is entirely in the hands of Heaven.

Moshe and Elazar's Descent

The verse concludes with Moshe and Elazar descending the mountain without Aharon. Ramban (Bamidbar 20:26) notes that this descent was a public demonstration that Aharon had indeed passed away, preventing any doubts or claims that he might have ascended to heaven like Eliyahu HaNavi. The Talmud (Yoma 72b) further explains that the transfer of the garments ensured continuity in the priestly service, as Elazar immediately assumed his duties, maintaining the spiritual integrity of the Mishkan's avodah.

Symbolism of the Garments

  • Bigdei Kehunah as Identity: The Zohar (Acharei Mot 73a) teaches that the priestly garments were not merely clothing but instruments of divine service, imbued with kedushah. Their transfer signified that the kedushah of the Kehunah was eternal, transcending the individual.
  • Moshe's Role: The fact that Moshe, not Aharon, removed the garments highlights his unique role as the mediator of divine commandments. Sforno (Bamidbar 20:26) suggests this act reinforced Moshe's authority in implementing Hashem's will.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 17b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the transfer of priestly garments from Aaron to his son Eleazar, illustrating the continuity of the priesthood.
📖 Yoma 72b
The verse is cited in a discussion about the sanctity of the priestly garments and the proper procedures for their handling and transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Moshe remove Aharon's garments before his death?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Zevachim 17b), Moshe removed Aharon's priestly garments to transfer them to Elazar, Aharon's son, as part of the succession process for the Kehunah (priesthood). This showed that the priesthood would continue through Aharon's descendants.
Q: Where did Aharon die, and why is the location significant?
A: Aharon died on Mount Hor, as described in the verse. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:19) explains that this was a special, elevated place chosen by Hashem for Aharon's passing, reflecting his spiritual greatness. The mountain's height symbolizes Aharon's lofty status as Kohen Gadol (High Priest).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Aharon's death?
A: The Rambam teaches that Aharon's peaceful passing, with Moshe and Elazar present, demonstrates the importance of proper succession and preparation for the next generation. It also shows the dignity of accepting Hashem's decree, as Aharon went willingly when his time came (based on Talmud Moed Katan 28a).
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Moshe and Elazar came down from the mountain?
A: Rashi explains that this detail emphasizes that only Aharon remained on the mountain, showing his death was complete and final. The descent also marks the transition of leadership - Elazar now wore the priestly garments, indicating he had officially assumed his father's role as Kohen Gadol.
Q: How is Aharon's death different from Moshe's later death?
A: The Talmud (Zevachim 101a) notes that while both brothers died by divine decree, Aharon's death involved the transfer of garments to his son, establishing priestly continuity. Moshe's death (Devarim 34) involved transferring leadership to Yehoshua (Joshua) but without garments, as Moshe wasn't a Kohen. This shows different leadership models in Judaism.