Posted on March 26, 2008 (5768) By Rabbi Chaim Flom | Series: Short Vorts | Level: Beginner
In Pirkei Avos 2:6 our sages write “…a bashful (one who feels shame) person can’t learn.”
“I felt embarrassed standing near those people who were using foul language” is a healthy sign of shame and modesty.
“I felt too embarrassed to ask the Rebbe what he meant” according to the Yalkut Yehudah is a sign of arrogance: “I don’t want others to know that I didn’t understand something.”
Moshe told Aharon “approach the alter” (Vayikra 9:7), because Aharon was embarrassed to approach it because of his “involvement” with the “golden calf” (and the alter reminded him of the calf). Moshe praised him for his response.
Have a great Shabbos !!
Rabbi Chaim Flom
Text Copyright © 2008 by Rabbi Chaim Flom and Torah.org