A Nation of Kohanim: Even Taking Out the Ashes

In the Holy Temple there were constant offerings — and wherever something burns, there are ashes. Somebody had to carry them out.

The Kohanim, chosen for all of the holy work in the Temple, also had this job. Even though it seems like a lesser activity, no one ever hesitated to take on the responsibility. The only condition: they had to change their garments. You don't do dirty work in holy clothes.

The Jewish people are called a nation of Kohanim — so this is a lesson for us:

• Some things in our lives are holy and some are mundane; some people we meet are on a high level and some on a lower one. Like the Kohanim — just as eager for the ashes as for the altar — we bring the same passion and care to every person we interact with, even "outside the camp."
• And like the Kohanim changing their garments, sometimes we have to come down to someone's level — to put on the "garments" that will actually connect.

So let us increase in love for our fellow Jews, and taste a bit of the days of Moshiach, when there will be no more envy or hatred between us.

Recorded as a voice note, 2026-03-23 (the week of Parshas Tzav).