By Rabbi Shmuel Gluck

The Medrash Raba (15/8) says: Omar Rabbi Levi B’sheim Rabbi Chama B’rabbi Chanina, Tzar Godol Ho’yo Lo L’moshe Badovor Haze, Koch Hu Kevodo Shel Aharon Ochi, Li’yos Ro’im Es Hanigo’im? Moshe Rabbeinu was pained that his brother Aharon would have to oversee the demeaning process of inspecting Tzora’as.

Omar Lo Hakodosh Boruch Hu, V’lo Nehene Mimenu Esrim V’arbo’o Matnos Kehuno? Hashem responded, and doesn’t Aharon receive payment, with the 24 gifts to Kohanim, in return? B’maslo Omrei, a commonly said expression is, D’Ochil B’hodi Koro, Lowke B’ho’di Kilo, those that eat the Koro leaves will be cut by its thorns.

The message is that more is expected from people who receive gifts. Aharon is supported by his nation through the 24 gifts. In return he is expected to oversee the Tzora’as process.

The message is that more is expected from people who receive gifts. Aharon is supported by his nation through the 24 gifts. In return, he is expected to oversee the Tzora’as process.

Many people never see the connection between privileges (gifts) and responsibilities. Children who live in their parents’ homes should understand their responsibility to contribute to house chores. The exact amounts must be individually tailored, and only with significant thought. Guests, whether for the short term, such as Shabbos guests, or long term boarders, receive favors, which makes them responsible to contribute to the household. All people are guests of Hashem in his kind world, and should graciously contribute to Hashem by listening to his instructions.

People may choose not to become involved in the work that is demeaning, such as what Moshe Rabbeinu considered Tzora’as inspections to be. However, they can only do this if they haven’t received any favors from the person requesting the demeaning work. If they’ve received favors, they can’t decline. This message attempts to remind people not to be offended, or indignant, for what they should understand are their responsibilities.

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