Deuteronomy 10:6 - Aharon's passing, priesthood continues.

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Hebrew Text

וּבְנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל נָסְעוּ מִבְּאֵרֹת בְּנֵי־יַעֲקָן מוֹסֵרָה שָׁם מֵת אַהֲרֹן וַיִּקָּבֵר שָׁם וַיְכַהֵן אֶלְעָזָר בְּנוֹ תַּחְתָּיו׃

English Translation

And the children of Yisra᾽el took their journey from Be᾽erot-bene-ya῾aqan to Mosera: there Aharon died, and there he was buried; and El῾azar his son ministered in the priest’s office in his place.

Transliteration

Uvnei Yisrael nas'u miBe'erot Bnei-Ya'akan Mosera, sham met Aharon vayikaber sham, vaykhahin El'azar beno takhtav.

Hebrew Leining Text

וּבְנֵ֣י יִשְׂרָאֵ֗ל נָ֥סְע֛וּ מִבְּאֵרֹ֥ת בְּנֵי־יַעֲקָ֖ן מוֹסֵרָ֑ה שָׁ֣ם מֵ֤ת אַהֲרֹן֙ וַיִּקָּבֵ֣ר שָׁ֔ם וַיְכַהֵ֛ן אֶלְעָזָ֥ר בְּנ֖וֹ תַּחְתָּֽיו׃

Parasha Commentary

Location of Aharon's Death

The verse states that Aharon died in Mosera, yet in Bamidbar 20:22-29, his death is recorded as occurring at Hor HaHar. Rashi (Devarim 10:6) resolves this apparent contradiction by explaining that Mosera and Hor HaHar refer to the same place. The name "Mosera" (from the root יסר, meaning "chastisement") alludes to the tragedy of Aharon's death, which was a punishment for his involvement in the incident of Mei Meriva (the Waters of Strife, Bamidbar 20).

The Significance of Aharon's Death

Aharon's passing marked a pivotal moment for Bnei Yisrael. The Midrash (Tanchuma, Chukat 10) teaches that Aharon's death was mourned even more profoundly than Moshe's, as Aharon was known for pursuing peace and restoring harmony among people (Pirkei Avot 1:12). His absence left a void in the nation's spiritual leadership.

Elazar's Succession

The verse emphasizes that Elazar immediately assumed the Kehunah (priesthood) after his father's death. Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:15) derives from here the principle of hereditary priesthood, ensuring continuity in the service of the Mishkan and later the Beit HaMikdash. The Talmud (Zevachim 101b) notes that Elazar's succession was seamless, demonstrating Divine approval.

Be'erot Bene Ya'akan

The journey began from Be'erot Bene Ya'akan ("Wells of the Sons of Ya'akan"), which the Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 19:16) connects to the descendants of Ya'akan mentioned in Divrei HaYamim I 1:42. These wells symbolize Torah wisdom (as water represents Torah), suggesting that Bnei Yisrael drew spiritual strength before facing the loss of Aharon.

Lessons from the Verse

Divine Justice: Aharon's death at Mosera reminds us of the precision of Middat HaDin (Divine justice), even for the righteous.
Leadership Transition: Elazar's immediate succession teaches the importance of preparing the next generation for spiritual roles.
Mourning with Purpose: The juxtaposition of travel and mourning implies that life and Divine service must continue despite loss.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Zevachim 101b

The verse is referenced in a discussion about the death of Aaron and the succession of his son Eleazar to the priesthood.

📖 Sotah 37a

The verse is cited in a discussion about the locations associated with the Israelites' journey and the events that occurred there, including Aaron's death.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Aaron die in Mosera according to the Torah?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yoma 86b), Aaron's death in Mosera was a consequence of the incident with the Golden Calf (Exodus 32). Although Aaron was not directly punished at that time, his passing in this location was part of the decree due to his involvement. The Torah emphasizes this to teach about accountability even for great leaders.

Q: What is the significance of Eleazar taking over as Kohen Gadol (High Priest) after Aaron?
A: The transition from Aaron to his son Eleazar (as stated in the verse) establishes the principle of hereditary priesthood (kehunah) in Judaism, as explained by Rambam in Hilchot Klei HaMikdash. This shows that the role of Kohen Gadol is passed down through Aaron's descendants, forming a lasting covenant (Bamidbar 25:13).

Q: Why does the Torah mention the journey from Be'erot Bene-Ya'akan to Mosera in this verse?
A: The Sifrei (a classic Midrash on Deuteronomy) explains that listing these locations reminds us of the Israelites' wandering in the desert and the challenges they faced. Be'erot Bene-Ya'akan ('Wells of the Children of Ya'akan') symbolizes temporary respite, while Mosera ('Discipline') represents the difficult moments—teaching that life has both comforts and trials.

Q: How does Aaron's burial site connect to Jewish tradition today?
A: Though the exact location of Mosera is debated (some identify it with Mount Hor, see Rashi on Bamidbar 20:22-29), Aaron's burial teaches the importance of honoring the dead (kavod ha-met). The Talmud (Sotah 34b) notes that Aaron’s passing was mourned by all Israel, setting an example for how we respect righteous leaders.

Q: What lesson can we learn from Aaron's death and Eleazar's succession?
A: The verse highlights the continuity of Torah leadership. As the Midrash Tanchuma (Shemini 1) explains, just as Eleazar stepped forward to serve, we learn that no individual is irreplaceable in Hashem's plan—each generation must uphold the Torah's mission. This encourages us to prepare the next generation for spiritual roles.