By Rabbi C. Edelstein
We’re all been there: standing in an outdoor gear shop wondering if that little orange or red bell would really do anything to divert the unwanted attention of a 6.5 foot tall, 700 pound hunting machine, aka Ursus Arctos Horribilis—the American Grizzly Bear. You might have thought about a bell to repel “the horrible bear’s” smaller cousin, the American Black Bear. In any case, a little steel pellet and hollow ball probably aren’t a sure-fire strategy for defense against the dark arctos…
A few studies have been done about bear bells with ringing unsuccess. Tom Smith, a biologist working in Katmai National Park, tried various different bells in the presence of bears without recognition from them, or any signs of fright. Stephen Herrero suggests that the piercing tones of the trail tocsin might not be loud enough to effectively be heard at all, or worst case could even evoke the curiosity of braver bruins. He suggests yodeling or singing as the best method of informing bears that you are in the area, and are a weird presence best avoided. So why do these gadgets continue to sell? Perhaps because we feel safer with it. Having a sound remind us of “civilization” and our humanity makes us feel larger and gives us confidence, while reminding us that we should be cautious.
Aharon shall wear it while officiating, so that the sound of it is heard when he comes into the sanctuary before HaShem and when he goes out—that he may not die.
In our Torah reading this week, Moshe is directed on the design of the the robe that Aharon his brother shall wear as High Priest. Exodus 28:33-35 reports:
“On its hem make pomegranates of blue, purple, and crimson yarns, all around the hem, with bells of gold between them all around: a golden bell and a pomegranate, a golden bell and a pomegranate, all around the hem of the robe. Aharon shall wear it while officiating, so that the sound of it is heard when he comes into the sanctuary before HaShem and when he goes out—that he may not die.”
Here, Aharon is to have small bells surrounding the bottom on his robe, which we can imagine every time he took a step, the bells ring in tiny pings and dings. Perhaps a gentle sound almost like a small brook making its way over rounded stones in a lively fashion. But if G-d knows what is happening at the foot of the mountain while speaking with Moshe at the top, surely G-d would know that it was Aharon the Priest coming in or going out of the sanctuary. Chizkuni, the commentator, suggests that the sound was to alert the people that the time of service had arrived or to sound an alarm to any other kohanim (priests) that he (the High Priest) was going into the Holy of Holies and that they should vacate the area. Thus, we see that the reason for the bells might in fact be for the priests, not as an means of turning away dangerous outside forces, but as a means of reminder to self that safety procedures should be adhered to with utmost scrutiny.
we are so conditioned to sound, that silence can seem unnatural and uncomfortable
With all the white noise that we have in our world today, we are so conditioned to sound, that silence can seem unnatural and uncomfortable. I encourage everyone this Shabbos to find a place where you are able to exist with as little background noise as possible. It is in those places that we are able to hear the faint sound of our spiritual bells calling out to us, inviting us to come close to the Creator.