The Divrei Torah in this section have been translated by Rav Reuven Ungar, Director of Alumni Affairs
The Royalty of the Houses of David and of the Chashmonaim
By: Rav Yechezkel Yakovson
The crowns of Priesthood (Kehuna) and Royalty (Malchut) do not dwell together. Aharon merited the former; King David the latter.
This applies in normal years. The King is entrusted to tend to the material needs of the nation. The Kohanim are responsible to nurture the spiritual growth of the Jewish People (yoru mishpatecha leYa'akov vetoratecha liYisrael).
However, in times of a national identity crisis the two items become intertwined. The national salvation will not materialize without correcting the spiritual state. For this reason Matityahu the High Priest, together with his sons, led the revolt against the Hellenists and established the monarchy of the House of the Chashmonaim. A Monarchy of Priests- Mamlechet Kohanim- was necessary to regain the requisite Jewish and National identity (According to the Ramban in Parshat Vayechi the Chashmonaim acted improperly- for the monarchy is entrusted to the tribe of
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