Thinking of Abe Katz on his Yartzeit today— Rosh Chodesh Menachem Av.

The Torah tells us that Aharon was buried on Har HaHar—literally, "the mountain upon the mountain."
Rashi explains that this was "a small mountain atop a larger mountain," and adds an intriguing comparison: "like a small apple on top of a large apple."

On the simple level, the Rebbe explains that Rashi is answering an obvious question. We usually picture mountains as pointed peaks. How could one mountain rest on top of another? Rashi therefore compares them to apples. Because apples are rounded, it is easy to picture a smaller one resting atop a larger one.

But the Rebbe asks a deeper question: Why did Rashi choose apples? Why not any other round object?

An apple represents something precious and beloved. The larger apple alludes to love of Torah and closeness to Hashem, while the smaller apple represents love of every Jew—Aharon's defining quality. As Pirkei Avos teaches, Aharon would "love the creations and bring them close to Torah."

There is another beautiful detail. Aharon was not buried on the larger mountain. He was buried on the very top, on the smaller mountain. The place of his burial reflects the pinnacle of his life's work. His love of Torah was the foundation, but what crowned his life was his boundless love for every fellow Jew. The highest point of the mountain became the resting place of the man whose greatest distinction was loving every Jew without exception.

On Shabbos Chukas, we had the privilege of hosting a wonderful family from Israel at Clifton Park Chabad. They spent Shabbos with us, enjoying the beauty of upstate New York, and after Shabbos they continued on to Manhattan—the Big Apple.

As we learned this Rashi together and shared the Rebbe's explanation, I couldn't resist adding one more thought before they left.

New York City may be called the Big Apple. It is a city overflowing with Torah, Jewish institutions, and vibrant Jewish life. But here in upstate New York, perhaps we're the Small Apple. We may be smaller in size, but what defines our community is the warmth, care, and Ahavas Yisrael we strive to show every person who walks through our doors.

Like the small apple resting atop the large one, our aspiration is to build everything upon the foundation of Torah while allowing its crown to be genuine love for every Jew. That was Aharon's legacy, and it remains our mission today.

Today, On Rosh Chodesh Av we commemorate the yahrzeit of Aharon HaKohen.
The month of Av is associated with the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash, which our Sages teach was caused by sinas chinam—baseless hatred. The antidote is Ahavas Yisrael—unconditional love for every fellow Jew.

Who better to usher us into this month than Aharon HaKohen, whose life's mission was to "love peace, pursue peace, love every Jew, and bring them close to Torah"?

As we enter Menachem Av, we are reminded that the journey from mourning to comfort begins by following Aharon's example.
May we strengthen our Ahavas Yisrael, filling our homes, our shuls, and our communities with warmth, kindness, and unity. In that merit, may Menachem Av truly become a month of comfort with the coming of Moshiach, the rebuilding of the Beis HaMikdash, and the fulfillment of the prophecy that these days of mourning will be transformed into days of joy and gladness. ... See MoreSee Less

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