To demonstrate that Aaron was G-d’s choice for high priest, G-d instructs Moshe to place twelve staffs inside the Kodesh Kodashim (Holy of Holies), each inscribed with the name of the tribe chieftain. The next day Aaron’s staff grows almond blossoms with almonds (17:23). While commentaries explain that almonds grow quickly and thus are the fruit of choice for this divine proclamation, what is the purpose of conveying the seemingly superfluous fact that almond blossoms and buds grew along with the almonds?
Rav Moshe Feinstein suggests that this was an additional message that G-d was sending to those involved and to us. Just like part of the growth of almonds includes blossoms, buds, and the ripe fruit, becoming a kohen gadol (high priest) does not just happen overnight, but is a gradual process. Perhaps the flower of the almond is symbolic of the beauty of the blossom above that of the fruit itself. Life is not about finding the shortcuts to reach greatness, but rather about embracing the process of improvement. If life is a journey, embrace every challenge and enjoy the ride.
