In introducing us to the majesty of the Kohen Gadol and his special garments, our parsha makes a distinct point of telling us that this position was unique in many ways.  Aside from the vestments and the special obligations/privileges of ministering in the Mishkan, we are told that Ahron and his sons were brought “from among Bnei Yisroel” (Titzaveh 28:1)  Moeover,the Torah tells us that these vestments were not to be made by the Kohanim but particularly by the “wise hearted people” (28:3).  In fact, the Kohanim were not even to dress themselves but rather be dressed by the people (29:8).  Why is the position of the Kohen so critically associated with the people preparing their clothing, dressing them and even that they were selected from among the people?

The Kohen Gadol was not just a position of prominence among Klal Yisroel, it was the most profound type of representative position.  Consider, it was the Kohen Gadol who went into the Kodesh Hakedashim on Yom Kippur, as an emissary of the people, to seek forgiveness on their behalf.  Contrast this with Moshe Rabbeinu who was the leader of Klal Yisroel, a totally different type of position.  Moshe was Hashem’s chosen prophet to confront Pharaoh, to bring the plagues, split the sea and lead Klal Yisroel across the midbar.  This man, this leader lived on Har Sinai for 40 days without food, without water, without sleep and when he returned had a glow to his face which required shielding just so people could look in his direction.  Indeed, we are told that Moshe did not live with his wife after receiving the Torah on Har Sinai.  He was clearly, not like us.

Leaders and representatives are two distinct types of positions.  The leader, is above the people, palpably different in demeanor, conduct and quality. The representative, by definition must be one of “the people”.  Ahron’s vestments were made for him by the people and he was dresses by the people because a representative must be of the people. 

In generations of yesteryear, we had leaders.  We had Shoftim, Neveim, Gedolei Hador who truly existed on different plains of humanity.  Today we are fortunate if we have advisors.  Yes, we have some outstanding Torah scholars, but clearly noone who is universally recognized as the final word on proper conduct on how we should live in today’s world.  Accordingly, each of us has an even greater responsibility to learn Torah so we understand what is expected of us.  If we each simply blindly follow today’s “leaders”, we all practice a different religion and that can’t be right.  The Torah tells us of the requirement to care for the poor, the widow, etc.  The Torah tells us of the majesty of Shabbos and how it connects us to our creator.  The Torah tells us to honor our parents and not to steal.  The list goes on. 

Noone is exempt from learning the expectations of the world’s creator, content to hide behind the shield of “that’s what so and so told me to do”.  There are specific requirements of how we are supposed to live our lives and you don’t get a pass by claiming ignorance or “I was just following orders”.  We all have choice.  In today’s world, even the most novice of knowledgeable Jew has a vast array of English publications from which to learn Torah at their disposal.  Yes, we need and should consult with Rabbinic authorities for P’sak on matters of Halacha beyond each person’s individual understanding.  But that is not a substitute for taking our obligation to learn and study what is expected on our own.  Perhaps, if we all took time to study Torah, we would achieve a degree of uniformity in our observance where ideals of honesty, compassion and morality permeated our world.  When that happens, we may be fortunate enough to have a Kohen Gadol ministering in the Beis Hamikdash once again who is indeed representative of us.