Parshas Emor
“And you shall sanctify him…” (Vayikra 21:8)
It is a positive commandment to sanctify the descendants of Aharon. This means to say that one must sanctify them by bringing them into the service of the offerings in the Temple. This is the main part of the commandment. It is similarly a commandment to give them precedence for all holy matters, and even if they object, one must not listen to them. All of this is for the honor of Hashem, since He took them and chose them for His service, as it says, “And you shall sanctify him!”, and Chazal explained that this refers to all holy matters, that he starts first and blesses first, and receives the first nice portion.
Amongst the roots of the commandment are that it is known that included in the honor and respect that one gives a master is that one gives honor and respect to his servants as well. It follows that whenever we honor the Kohanim, we remember the honor of Hashem and His greatness. In the merit of these pure end worthy thoughts and the good will, the blessings of Hashem and His great goodness will be manifested on us, and He wishes blessing as we have described many times.
This commandment applies in all places and at all times, to men and to women, as it is incumbent on everyone to honor the descendants of Aharon. One who transgresses this commandment, has contravened this commandment.
