Acharei Mot: Chapter 5

"That he come not at all times into the holy place"

Synopsis

We learn that God told Moses that he should speak to his brother, Aaron, since Aaron was given the blessings for above and below. There are times when one may go before God and ask petitions, because it is a time of goodwill; there are other times when harsh decrees are aroused and blessings are not forthcoming. Sometimes judgments are present but impending, held over the world to frighten it. We learn that these cycles occur in the year, in the week, in the day and even in the hour. Rabbi Shimon says that things are good in their due season. Analyzing the scripture, "That he come not at all times into the holy place," Rabbi Shimon tells his son that God was admonishing Aaron not to make the same mistake that his sons did, so that he will not damage this time that is Malchut. He also says that incense is the most praiseworthy of all sacrifices, because incense in Aramaic means 'connecting.'