"It shall be on Aharon's forehead (the ziz), and Aharon shall bear the sin of that which is holy, that the children of Yisrael consecrate for any gifts of their holy offerings…" (28: 38).
Rashi explains as follows: "The word nasa, means to forgive." Aharon represents the forgiveness that the people seek. Rashi continues to explain that the use of this verb for forgiveness is connected to the fact that the simpler interpretation also has a place in understanding the verse.
"The word maintains is simple meaning, 'to bear'". Aharon (in some way) bears the burden of the sin; he actually carries the sin out of the holy place.
The use of the word nasa for forgiveness is quite common and on other occasions Rashi does not feel it necessary to explain. When Moshe pleads with Hashem to forgive the people after the golden calf episode (32: 32) he says: "And now if you would bear their sin (tisa chatatam…)". Rashi does not explain these words or give them a particular twist.
We find another use of the word nasa in Sefer Bamidbar (6:26).
"May Hashem lift his countenance to you…"
True the use of the verb in the verse is "lift …countenance", but according to Rashi this is a reference to "bearing the sin" as in our verse (cf. Rashbam ad loc).
When Moshe appealed to Hashem on behalf of the people, the verb nasa was the common verb for bearing the sin. This word may be differentiated from the general notion of forgiveness which implies some act of teshuva on the part of the sinner. Moshe was asking that Hashem "bear the sin". He asked that Hashem not punish the people even though they had not as yet done teshuva. Hashem is asked to "bear the sin" in spite of the fact that the people have not yet repented or returned to themselves.
Here too, Aharon is "bearing the sin".
Rashi is concerned about this notion. It is possible that Hashem will bear the sin though the people have not yet repented, but how are we to apply this idea to Aharon the Kohen Gadol?
Therefore, Rashi explains in the next verse that "the ziz is meant to appease Hashem". Aharon is instrumental in "bearing the sin" (which sin is discussed in Rashi), and he does this by wearing the ziz. This plate worn on the forehead of the Kohen announces that the entire people as a people are committed to Hashem and, in its way, Aharon actually "bears the sin".
Gut Shabbos, Chaim Brovender
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