When a tzaddik, a righteous person, passes from this world, all his or her spiritual achievements continue to have an effect in the realm of the living. They become a powerful source of blessing for all those "who follow in his way."
This means that if we study what Aaron stood for and emulate him to the best of our ability, we will benefit from Divine blessing in his merit. And a blessing from G‑d is always a good thing...
What was Aaron's teaching?
As is expressed in the first chapter of Ethics of the Fathers: "Be amongst the disciples of Aaron—loving peace, pursuing peace, loving ordinary folk and bringing them near to Torah."
The Sages tell us that Aaron devoted himself to carrying out the command "love your fellow" to the highest degree. The Midrash relates how he attracted people to the teachings of the Torah. He never got angry if people failed to meet the expectations of Jewish law. He would meet a person who was somewhat lacking in his observance of Judaism and greet him with a smile and a warm reception. On leaving, the man would think to himself: "If Aaron the High Priest greets me so warmly he must think I am a very worthy person. I must improve myself!"
In this way, simply through pleasantness and warmth, Aaron encouraged the Jews of his generation to feel close to the ideals of the Torah.Aaron worked to bring peace between people in general, and especially between husband and wife.
The Sages tell us it is through love of one's fellow that the Temple will be restored. By striving to be disciples of the chain of Sages reaching back to Aaron and Moses in the past, we will bring the Redemption.
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