Justice, Peace and Truth

By RABBI DAVID ROSENN

Parashat Tetzaveh (Exodus 27:20-30:10)

Aaron shall carry the names of the children of Israel on the breastplate of justice over his heart, when he enters to sanctuary, for a remembrance before God at all times.

(Exodus 28:29)

COMMENTARY: One of the pieces of clothing that the High Priest must wear is a breastplate with the names of all of the tribes of Israel carved into it. This garment was worn by Aaron, the first High Priest, whenever he appeared before God. As High Priest, Aaron's job was to facilitate the ongoing relationship between God and the people by creating opportunities for worship and reconciliation. In essence, Aaron was a peacemaker, and the rabbinic tradition recognizes him as one.

Hillel said: Be a disciple of Aaron, loving peace and pursuing peace, loving people and bringing them close to Torah.

(Pirkei Avot 1:12)

Occasionally, Aaron's peacemaking efforts led him to bend the truth:

When Aaron would see two people arguing with each other, he would go and sit with one of them and say: "My child, see what your friend is saying—he is tearing his heart out and ripping his clothing and saying: 'Woe is me! How can I look my friend in the eye' I am so ashamed that I have done him wrong.'" And Aaron would sit with the person until he removed all the ill will from his heart.

Then Aaron would go and sit with the other one and say: "My child, see what your friend is saying—he is tearing his heart out and ripping his clothing and saying: 'Woe is me! How can I look my friend in the eye' I am so ashamed that I have done him wrong.'" And he would sit with the person until he removed all the ill will from his heart.

Then, finally, when the two people meet, they would embrace and kiss each other.

Because of this, when Aaron died, it says: "All of Israel cried over Aaron for 30 days." (Numbers 20:29)

(Avot D'Rabbi Natan 12:3)

QUESTION: The midrash seems to condone Aaron's strategy for making peace between two people even though it isn't entirely honest. There is also a statement in the Talmud that "It is permitted to change the truth for the sake of peace." (Yevamot 65b) What do you think the role of truth in human relations should be?

One more text to help you think about this:

Rabbi Shimon ben Gamaliel said, "The world stands on three things: justice, truth and peace." And these three are actually one thing. When justice is served, truth is done and peace is made.

(Palestinian Talmud, Ta'anit 4:2, 68a)

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