In this week’s Parsha, Aaron experiences unimaginable loss: his sons, Nadav and Avihu, tragically die after offering an unauthorized sacrifice. Shortly after, when Aaron’s remaining sons do not eat a required offering due to their grief, Moshe himself questions their actions. Aaron boldly challenges Moshe—a man described as the greatest leader of the Jewish people—arguing that genuine spiritual expression must honor reality and the emotions one is experiencing. Remarkably, Moshe listens and accepts Aaron’s advocacy, recognizing that compassion must guide practice.

Aaron’s courage sets a powerful precedent and shows us that when leaders fail to recognize the emotional truth and human dignity at stake, it’s our responsibility to respectfully but firmly challenge them. Whether it’s parents, teachers, rabbis, or community leaders, we are called to step forward, speak up, and affirm that the compassion and emotional integrity of human beings must always be taken into account.

The Mishnah in Pirkei Avot teaches: “Be among the disciples of Aaron—loving peace and pursuing peace.” Perhaps the peace that is mentioned here is not the traditional kind of peace where no one is arguing aloud. Maybe it doesn’t always mean outward-facing quiet. Maybe peace is found in the moments when someone dares to speak up on behalf of another. When we lovingly disrupt in order to protect someone’s humanity—to help them find their own *inner* peace. When we refuse to prioritize appearances over people.

Pursuing peace might look like advocacy. Like challenging authority in moments of need. Like risking coming across as an agitator in order to bring true peace to another human.

May we be like Aaron; using our voices to create communities where peace is not the absence of conflict, but the presence of care.