ויפרש את האהל על המשכן…(פקודי מ:יט)

The Holy author of the classic Chassidic Safer “Benei Yissoschor” zt”l – Rabbi Tzvi Elimelech of Dinov – spent one Shabbos with his mechutan, the Holy Rebbe Reb Hershele of Ziditchov zt”l.  During one of their  conversations, the Rebbe of Ziditchov said: “I recently saw on the first page of a Machzor (prayer book for Yom Tov), an illustration of Moshe and Aharon.  Moshe is depicted as a tall person and Aharon as short and plump. How did the artist know who was heavier?”.

The holy Benei Yissoschor replied: Both illustrations are correct, as it says ויפרש את האהל על המשכן – Moshe Rabenu spread the cover over the Mishkan. We know from the Gemara that Moshe Rabenu was ten amos (ells – a measurement from Biblical times) tall, which explains how he could reach to the top of the Mishkan, which was ten amos high as well.

On the other hand, Aharon had to kindle the Menorah every day, as it says “בהעלותך את הנרות” (בהעלותך ח:ב) – “when you shall light the candles”. We also know that Aharon had to ascend steps to light the Menorah, which would appear that he was of short stature.  As for the apparent claim that Aharon was heavy set” – continued the holy Bnei Yissoschor – Rashi says “משה ואהרן שקולים היו” – Moshe and Aharon were two equals, which can also be translated as equal in weight.  So, how could they have weighed the same, if the one was tall and the other one short? It must be then that Aharon was broad”.  The Rebbe of Ziditchov marvelled at his mechutan’s brilliance, in explaining an age-old drawing with the ancient words of the Torah and its Sages.