In parshas Shemini, the Torah records that when the “seven days of practice” were completed, it was time for the inauguration of the Service on the first day of Nissan.
“Moshe said to Aharon, ‘Approach the altar and perform your sin-offering and your burnt-offering, atoning for yourself and for the people…’” (Vayikra 9:7).
Rashi explains, “Moshe had to instruct Aharon to do so, because Aharon was bashful and afraid to approach the altar. Moshe said to him: ‘Why are you ashamed? For this you have been chosen!’”
Moshe was telling Aaron that this was his role in life, his calling, and he shouldn’t be ashamed, but should come forward and accept it.
The Arizal explains that Moshe was telling Aharon, “For the very fact that you are ashamed, that’s why you have been chosen.” It was precisely because Aharon regarded himself as inadequate and unworthy for the job that he was chosen for it.
Many of our greatest leaders did not regard themselves as worthy of leadership. It was only when it was cast upon them that they embraced the role.
The Chazon Ish, Rav Avrohom Yeshaya Karelitz zt”l, lived a life of extreme Torah scholarship and saintliness, out of the limelight until the last decades of his life.
Rav Aharon Leib Steinman was virtually unknown outside of B’nei Brak until the last two decades. Rav Chaim Kanievsky holds no official position. The world flocks to him for advice and guidance which he graciously gives. But personally, he would unquestionably rather be studying peacefully and uninterruptedly.
These great rabbanim did not pursue honor and in fact shunned it, until they saw that it was their destiny to fill the vacuum of Torah leadership, and then begrudgingly accepted it.
Rav Avrohom Pam zt”l noted that humility is not defined by actions, nor is it a mode of behavior. Humility is rooted in one’s mindset and internal attitude.
There are people who run away from honor. They do not accept public recognition, and they shy away from the limelight. Such people may even offer to be called up to the Torah for the aliyah containing the harsh tochacha, claiming that such things don’t bother them. However, if someone would reproach them gently for something they did, they may become very angry and respond harshly. Or perhaps they may even appear to not care about negative comments made to them, but inside be burning with rage that cannot be expressed because it will hurt the humble façade. That is not humility.
The truly humble person is one who has invested requisite effort in working on his character traits until he has gained a level of mastery over himself. It is only such a person who will truly not be offended when a harsh comment is made to him.
The humble person does not remain silent in the face of a personal affront because he is shy and lacks assertiveness. He remains silent because he is truly not offended or bothered by the comment or action.
Rav Pam relates the story of Rav Nachumka of Hurdina who was once collecting money for tzedakkah. When he approached one fellow and requested a donation, the fellow responded by brazenly slapping Rav Nachumke across the face. Without batting an eyelash, Rav Nachumke replied, “That’s for me. But I also need something for the poor people.”
Rav Pam notes that this idea must be reiterated and understood: Humility is not defined by actions, but by one’s attitude and mindset!