04 Jun 2026 Beha’aloscha 5786: Turning “No” into “Yes”

At the beginning of Parshas Beha’aloscha, the Torah describes Aharon Ha’Kohen’s fulfillment of the mitzvah to light the Menorah. The Torah states: וַיַּעַשׂ כֵּן אַהֲרֹן – And Aharon did so; toward the face of the Menorah he lit its lamps, as Hashem commanded Moshe (Bamidbar 8:3).

Rashi comments: לְהַגִּיד שִׁבְחוֹ שֶׁל אַהֲרֹן שֶׁלֹּא שִׁנָּה – This tells us the praise of Aharon, that he did not deviate.

At first glance, this comment is difficult to understand. What is so remarkable about the fact that Aharon followed Hashem’s instructions exactly as commanded? Would anyone expect Aharon Ha’Kohen, one of the greatest spiritual leaders in Jewish history, to alter the Divine command?

It is fair to say that every insight in my new book, Abled, is my favorite (just as those who learn with me know that every Dvar Torah is my favorite! Because it’s true – they are all my favorite). Hence, the following insight is at the top of my list of “favorites,” and it is recorded in the conclusion of Abled.

[When writing my book, I reached out to Rebbetzin Weinberger to confirm if the idea is Rabbi Weinberger’s own chiddush, and she replied that indeed, it is. My thanks to Mr. Rob Levinson for sharing it with me.]

Rabbi Moshe Weinberger offers a beautiful and inspiring insight. He notes that the Torah does not simply say that Aharon performed the mitzvah. Rather, it states: וַיַּעַשׂ כֵּן אַהֲרֹן – And Aharon did “kein.” The word “kein” means “yes.”

Building upon this idea, Rabbi Weinberger suggests a deeper reading of Rashi’s words. The praise of Aharon was not only that he followed instructions precisely. Rather, throughout his life, he possessed the remarkable ability to transform “no” into “yes.”

Every challenge that might have caused another person to become discouraged, Aharon faced with faith and determination. Every obstacle that appeared impossible became an opportunity for growth. Every situation that seemed to invite despair was met with hope.

In this sense, Rashi’s comment takes on a deeper meaning. שֶׁלֹּא שִׁנָּה – he changed every “no.” וַיַּעַשׂ כֵּן אַהֲרֹן – and transformed it into a “yes” (Abled: Living With a Disability, A Torah View, p.217 – mosaicapress.com/Abled).

This idea resonates far beyond the life of Aharon Ha’Kohen.

Every person encounters moments of difficulty. We face disappointments, setbacks, unexpected challenges, and circumstances we never would have chosen. There are times when life presents us with realities that seem impossible to understand or overcome.

Our first reaction may be to say: “I cannot do this.” “This is too difficult.” “There is no way forward.” Yet the example of Aharon teaches us that while we may not always be able to change the circumstances before us, we can choose how we respond to them.

Very often, the greatest spiritual growth occurs not when life proceeds according to our plans, but when we learn to navigate situations that require resilience, patience, faith, and perseverance.

I once read the following powerful idea: “G-d gives us challenges, and along the way we become people who can handle them.” And one of the ways we do so is by changing what seems to be a “no” into “yes.”

It is fitting to recall a lesson of my youth. I remember when growing up, I was often reminded by my parents that, “There’s no such thing as I can’t.”

Additionally, there is another dimension to this idea. Saying “yes” does not mean denying that a challenge exists, nor does it mean pretending that something difficult is easy. Rather, it means refusing to allow the challenge to define us. Aharon teaches us that we can acknowledge hardship honestly while still choosing to move forward with faith, purpose, and hope.

And finally, the Menorah also required consistency. It was not enough to light it once. Day after day, Aharon returned to perform the same sacred task. True greatness is often built in exactly this way—not through dramatic moments alone, but through steady commitment and faithful service over time.

When challenges arise, we sometimes wait for a sudden breakthrough or a perfect solution. The Menorah reminds us that even a small flame, tended faithfully and consistently, can illuminate an entire room. Progress is often achieved one step at a time, one positive choice at a time, one act of faith at a time.

The difference between “I cannot” and “I will try,” between “this is impossible” and “with Hashem’s help I will do my best,” can transform an entire situation.

Perhaps this is part of the enduring praise of Aharon Ha’Kohen. His greatness was not only in performing sacred service within the Mishkan. It was in approaching life itself with the power of “yes” – with faith, hope, and the willingness to continue despite difficulty.

May we merit to follow the example of Aharon Ha’Kohen. May we find the strength to face challenges with courage, to replace discouragement with determination, and to transform moments of difficulty into opportunities for growth.

And in this merit, may we bring more light, strength, and hope into our own lives and into the lives of those around us.

בברכת בשורות טובות ושבת שלום

Michal