(2008/5768)

Parashat Ki Tisa tells the story of the Eigel HaZahav, the golden calf.  A major  question that arises is why Aharon didn't stop Bnei Yisrael from building the Eigel.  Surely he knew it was a grave sin.  Rashi explains that Aharon did know that Bnei Yisrael were sinning, but if Aharon had attempted to stop them, Bnei Yisrael would have killed him, just as they killed Chur, which would make their sin even worse.  Similarly, the Ohr HaChaim comments that when Aharon told Bnei Yisrael to gather gold (Shemot 32:2), he did not mean it in his heart; he knew that the golden calf was wrong.  The problem with this approach is that Aharon actively assisted in the creation of the Eigel.  If he simply wanted to stop Bnei Yisrael from killing him, he could have avoided participating.  Why did he seemingly take the leading role?

Rashi himself deals with this issue.  He explains that Aharon asked Bnei Yisrael to give the jewelry that their wives had.  Aharon thought that the wives would not be so quick to give up their gold.  By the time Bnei Yisrael could convince them to give it up, Moshe would return.  Unfortunately, Aharon’s plan failed, as Bnei Yisrael were quick to give Aharon their own gold.

The Ramban and Rashi add that Aharon delayed Bnei Yisrael in another way as well.  After Bnei Yisrael finished building the calf, Aharon said, “Tomorrow shall be a feast to Hashem” (32:5).  Aharon specifically procrastinated in the hopes that Moshe would come before Bnei Yisrael sinned.

The Ohr HaChaim, Rashi, and the Seforno all understand that Aharon’s feast was intended to celebrate Hashem Himself, not the Eigel.  Thus, far from being the leader of the Cheit HaEigel, Aharon did his best to prevent the sin.