Questions: The Key to Mesorah

Explore how the story of Aharon and Moshe in Parashas Tzav can inspire us to live our Mesorah and seek guidance when needed.

 "I keep six honest serving-men. They taught me all I knew. Their names are: WHY, HOW, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHO." – Rudyard Kipling

Life in this day and age is interesting. We may know people only over the internet and even consider them our friends, yet we wouldn’t recognize them walking down the street. General relationships tend to be more distant in nature, and have become increasingly shallow and focused on superficial interactions. 

This lack of deep knowledge can lead to assumptions about others, as we rely on our own judgments to make decisions about them. We may feel hesitant to ask questions to learn more about others, fearing that it may come across as socially unacceptable, impolite or uncomfortable.

Unfortunately making assumptions is not just limited to our perceptions of others. It has also become largely what we do to get through life. We use our sense of judgment to try to DIY our way through our careers, marriages and personal finances among other aspects of life. It may be hard for us to ask for directions from others, when it is easy to make an assumption about how things should be done. 

However, this approach can potentially lead to disastrous consequences, such as failed marriages, businesses, and even the start of wars. The media often sensationalizes and makes assumptions to sell newspapers, creating anxiety and stress for readers. Sensationalising and assumptions sell papers, not a life that is meaningful and purposeful.

In Parashas Tzav, Moshe teaches the complex and technical details of the Korbanos to Aharon and his children. The process is meticulous and complicated, with no room for error. The Parashah concludes by stating that Aharon followed Moshe's instructions precisely. Rashi explains that Aharon did not deviate from the instructions in any way.

Aharon did not make assumptions about how things should be done. He did not try to get creative and make the Avoda simpler or fancier. He listened to Moshe and made sure he fully understood what needs to be done and he did it. 

Shabbos HaGadol heralds in the season of asking questions. By asking questions, we declare that we will not rely on assumptions. We seek to live and act in accordance with the Torah, our Mesorah. 

The Vilna Gaon, Maharal, and other meforshim offer a different understanding of the Pasuk. They explain that it wasn’t merely the fact that Aharon adhered to the mitzvah of Hashem that made him deserving of praise; every Jew is expected to perform the mitzvos of Hashem without deviation. What made Aharon so deserving of praise was his willingness to accept orders from his brother Moshe. This was difficult not only because Moshe was his younger brother, but also because Aharon was already a prophet prior to Moshe becoming a leader of the Jewish People. Nevertheless, Aharon humbly followed Moshe’s directive and did exactly what he was instructed to do. What’s more, Aharon performed his task with enthusiasm and joy as if he had been commanded in the mitzvah directly from Hashem.

When we ask clarifying questions, we are living our Mesorah. This helps us rejoice in knowing that we know what to do and not veer from the national path that was set in the Midbar.

This applies to achieving our personal goals and success as well. It is important to be proactive by asking the right questions and delving deeper until real answers are obtained. Sy Syms is famous for his motto “an educated consumer is our best customer”. The road to becoming educated is often hindered by our preconceived emotions, habits, or impulses,  which make up our assumptions. This can be very destructive. Instead, when facing life's challenges, like struggles, disappointments, hurt, guilt, and shame, it's important to actively ask questions to address the root of the issue. We should be willing to seek guidance and learn from others. It is essential to break free from the fear of failure and seek help when necessary to achieve a meaningful and purposeful life.

When we catch ourselves assuming, we should ask, "What evidence do I have that this is a definite conclusion?" By identifying where we consistently make assumptions, whether in our communication or actions, we can become more deliberate and intentional.

Be like Aharon, ask questions, follow our Mesorah and live a more impactful life.