"And the Lord spoke to Moses after the death of the two sons of Aaron." (Vayikrah 16.1)
One of the major problems facing modern society is the distancing and sense of estrangement between the generations. In days gone by, two, three, and four generations of a family would live together under a single roof, and a sense of love and honor would prevail among them.
This constellation of relationships has all but vanished from today's society where even two generations may find it difficult to get along in harmony and where the younger generation leaves their parent's home, literally and figuratively, before establishing homes of their own.
Indeed, in a society whose values dictate that physical prowess, agility, and wealth are the measure of status and influence, the struggle of the young against their elders is easily understood. The elder moves more slowly, is less agile, and feels less consumed by the need to amass material wealth.
On the other hand, in a society whose value system determines that fulfilling the Creator's mission is primary, honoring our elders becomes as natural as it is necessary, since it is our elders who are the most experienced in serving the Almighty. "No one is as wise as the one who is experienced." In this contact, the experience and wisdom of our elders make it incumbent upon us to look to them as role models and guides for spiritual fulfillment.
Our sages derived this lesson from the words, "... after the death of the two sons of Aaron." As the Midrash comments: "Moses and Aaron would walk, and Nadav and AVihu would walk behind them, saying: When will these old men finally die, that we may assume authority over the assembly? " Rabbi Yuden said in the name of Rabbi Aivo: "With their mouths they spoke to one another." Rabi Pinchas said: "In their hearts they schemed." Rabbi Brachya said: "The Almighty said to them (Mishlei 37.1): "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you know not what today may bring."
The young do not carry the burden of experience that their elders carry, and their measure of priority and importance may be lacking. The blending of the generations builds a sacred flame, while estrangement and separation lead to an alien flame that can consume the soul of an entire generation.
Nadav and Avihu sought to replace Moses and Aaron, a pattern that we witness in many spheres in our own day and age. We must defend against these divisive forces within our ranks, and encourage respect and mutual appreciation between our generations, so that we may fulfill the sacred mission God sets out for us.
experienced in serving the Almighty. "No one is as wise as the one who is experienced." In this contact, the experience and wisdom of our elders make it incumbent upon us to look to them as role models and guides for spiritual fulfillment.
