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Rav Moshe Shmuel Shapiro – The Vilna Gaon’s Overflowing Cups

In the first pasuk of Emor it says twice to tell the Kohanim, Emor and V’Amarta. Rashi quotes the gemara in Yevamos that says the double language is, “L’Hazhir Gedolim Al HaKetanim”, to tell the adults to caution the children. How do Chazal see this from the fact that is says to tell them twice asks Rav Moshe Shmuel Shapiro.

He answers that the Dubno Magid once asked the Vilna Gaon what is the most effective way to influence children. The Vilna Gaon answered with a Mashal. He said to take a large cup and surround it with smaller cups. Then pour into the large cup and keep pouring until it spills over the top right into the little cups. To have children absorb the lessons, you must fill yourself with an overdose of whatever traits you want to teach them. They will become filled from the overflow.

The Kohanim were implored twice, to give them a double measure of Kedushas Kohen. The reason for this is obviously in order for it to spill over to the children.

Taken from Revach.net