Machshava:

Chinuch 

Parsha:

Shemini 

Collections: R' Goldin Parenting from the Parsha

Description

Following the deaths of his sons Nadav and Avihu, the Torah tells us "Vayidom Aharon", "and Aharon was silent". The classic interpretation of these words is that Aharon was somehow able to contain himself and not cry over the loss of his sons in a superhuman display of control over his emotions. The Ramban, however, gives an alternative explanation. He suggests that Aharon did initially react by crying and mourning- and only then was able to step back and contain his emotions. What is the logic for the Ramban's explanation? And what important lesson in parenting can it teach us?