Tehillim 133 – The Anointing Oil and Aaron’s Beard

Tehillim 133 – The Anointing Oil and Aaron’s Beard

Tehillim 133:2,3 - “Ka-shemen ha-tov al ha-rosh, yored al ha-zakan, z'kan Aharon, she-yored al pi midotav; ke-tal Hermon, she-yored al harerei Tziyon” - (like fine oil flowing down from the head onto the beard, Aaron’s beard, and flowing down to the collar of his garments; like the dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of Zion). When Moshe anointed Aaron with anointing oil in order to sanctify him as the High Priest, Aaron trembled and fell prostrate. Two drops of oil rolled from his forehead onto his beard—one on the left and the other on the right—shimmering like pearls. Moshe anxiously wondered whether he had poured too much oil on Aaron’s forehead and whether the Almighty would consider him guilty of violating the sacred rite. Aaron was even more distressed, fearing that he might derive undeserved benefit from the spilled sacred oil (for the anointing oil was intended only for the forehead). Their anxiety subsided when a Heavenly Voice proclaimed: “You are not at fault. The anointing oil fell onto Aaron’s beard in accordance with Divine Providence; it was meant to happen this way: ‘How good and pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together, like fine oil flowing down from the head onto the beard, Aaron’s beard, and flowing down to the collar of his garments; like the dew of Hermon descending upon the mountains of Zion, for there Hashem commanded the blessing—life forever.’ (Tehillim 133:1–3) Although the dew first falls on Hermon, through Hashem’s blessing it then descends upon Mount Zion; likewise, the oil was meant to touch Aaron’s beard, even though the mitzvah consisted of anointing only his forehead. When Moshe heard this, he rejoiced as though the oil had fallen on his own beard. Precisely two drops of oil remained on Aaron’s beard. This symbolized that Hashem had chosen two brothers to occupy lofty positions because of their exceptional personal qualities. Moshe was distinguished by his particular strictness, while Aaron was characterized by his all-encompassing love. These supreme virtues were to serve as an outstanding example for the entire nation. At times, Aaron was troubled by the fact that his natural qualities seemed somewhat at odds with Moshe’s distinctive traits. However, the two drops that fell onto his beard signified that his inherent gentleness complemented Moshe’s uncompromising firmness. The Almighty declared that “it is good and pleasant for brothers to dwell together,” implying that Aaron’s gentleness could not conflict with Moshe’s demanding nature. On the contrary, it was precisely their combined efforts that elevated the Jewish people to the heights of Torah and helped them attain perfection in Divine service. (“The Midrash Says,” Parashat Korach, Moshe Weissman)