I am always intrigued by the minds of b’nai mitzvah students, especially the lessons they glean from their parshiot. This week, my daughter celebrates becoming bat mitzvah. As with all of my students, I have had the opportunity to peer into her mind and consider her interpretation of parashat Beha’alotecha, which opens with God telling Moses to have Aaron light the lamps of the menorah and Aaron following the directions.

My daughter chose to focus on the single act of Aaron lighting the lamps and gleaned from these words that Aaron did his task, every day, without complaint.  In her mind this teaches us to focus on the importance of daily responsibilities and not complain about them, a lesson any parent can appreciate.

After reading her explanation, I was left with many questions. How do we know that Aaron never complained? Would it be such a big deal if he did complain? Does it matter if we complain, if our work is getting done? 

I asked my daughter how she came to the conclusion that Aaron never complained. Her answer, “He was the high priest, why would he complain? He was doing God’s work and his task was so important.” I still wondered, “The high priest can’t complain? He can’t be tired one day and mumble just a little about his work?”  Yet, many commentators agree with her, as the Vilna Gaon explains that the enthusiasm of Aaron never waned.  He never felt that his work was rote; that he could do the same mitzvah over and over again and still do it with energy and excitement. 

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While I am not sure that I fully believe that Aaron was that perfect to never have complained, nor do I think it would be so wrong of the high priest to have grumbled once or twice in his life time, I can appreciate the lesson of Aaron being able to find beauty and holiness in the same task he did every single day.  It wasn’t a task that was a burden, rather by “lifting up” the flame and illuminating the menorah each day, he was acknowledging the light of God’s presence in this world.  

In his simple act, without complaint, Aaron does serve as a role model for all of us.  For how different would our lives be, if instead of a grumble we put a smile on our faces and worked through our daily tasks?  As rote or mundane as they may be our simple act of doing with a smile, can make those tasks more exciting.  May each one of us be like Aaron, and without complaint, tackle our tasks, recognizing that holiness, possibility, and potential blessing lay in each and every opportunity put before us.