Parshat Tetzaveh - Heart of Gold
by Rabbi Lobel

(Exodus: Chapter 28 verse 29) "Aaron shall bear the names of the tribes of Israel on the Choshen Mishpat on his heart when he enters the sanctuary, as a constant remembrance before G-d. Into the Choshen Mishpat shall you place the Urim and the Tumim ,and they shall be on Aaron's heart when he comes before G-d; and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the Children of Israel on his heart before G-d, constantly."

Medrash Shmos Rabba (3:17) relates the following conversation between G-d and Moses. Moses was very reluctant in accepting leadership of the Jewish nation for a number of reasons. One reason was that Moses was worried his older brother, Aaron, would be insulted that the younger brother had been chosen leader. Moses expressed his fear to G-d and was willing to refuse the position in order to protect his brother's feelings. G-d convinced Moses that, rather than be slighted by Moses' appointment, Aaron would be happy to hear that G-d is finally delivering his people.

The Medrash continues - Rebbe Shimon the son of Rebbe Yossi says "the heart that was rejoicing in the appointment of his brother shall wear the Urim and Tumim on his heart, as the verse says 'they shall be on Aaron's heart.' "

The Urim and Tumim had the name of G-d engraved upon it. This was the intermediary in which G-d would communicate to his children. There was complete access to knowing what G-d desired. All that was needed to be done was to ask the Urim and Tumim and the letters on the Choshen Mishpat would illuminate, directing the Jewish nation. To serve as high priest and wear the Urim and Tumim on his heart , G-d chose Aaron, a person who bore no jealousy.

It is incredibly difficult to never begrudge our fellow man. In Aaron's case, he knew his brother intimately, knew Moses' faults and limitations, then watched him become leader of the Jewish nation, stand on Har Sinai, and present G-d's Torah. And Aaron felt nothing but joy. It is only fitting for such a pure heart, a heart of gold, to wear the Choshen Mishpat and Urim and Tumim.