“And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto a holy place, for a memorial before HaShem continually” – Exodus 28:29, JPS 1917 Tanach
As a type if remembrance of the twelve tribes of Israel, so that the merits of the founding fathers of each tribe come before Him continually (Sforno). Thus, the children of Israel will be judged favorably in light of the merits of the progenitors of each tribe. This reliance upon the moral ground of a previous generation is not the norm of society today. Rather, the cultural shift rejects the past in favor of individualized styles and personal paths. Yet, there is something to be said for the norms and traditions of the past. In fact, it is precisely the continuance of values, dor vador generation upon generation that sustains the Jewish people in a world of shifting sands.
Inasmuch that one man, namely Aaron and all subsequent Kohein Gedolim took upon himself to bear the names of the children of Israel, his responsibility as an intermediary between the people and G-d denotes the sacredness of his role. This is also in contrast to the zeitgeist, wherein distrust of authority is rampant. However, we are a people of tradition, dependent upon HaShem and those who represent Him in the best interests of K’lal Yisrael. And who will bear the names of the last generation before Moshiach? It is a monumental role to be fulfilled.
The Lubavitcher movement opted in favor of an emphasis on the individual as a lamplighter, responsible for “lighting the lamps” of Yehudim who are in need of encouragement in the right direction. Even so, ad mosai? We wait longingly, for the Geulah, wherein the fruition of the generations will be revealed, when the Kohein Gadol will once again bear our names. Until then, we are not forgotten, nor forsaken, no matter how rough the challenges are in Olam Hazeh.
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