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PARSHAS BAMIDBAR
The eternal Torah, whose every radiant word and letter is replete with
profound meaning for our lives, elaborately transmits to us (in over 100
pesukim across parshios Bamidbar, Naso, Behaalosecha and
Korach) the designation, separation, and elevation of Shevet Levi.
"Hashem spoke to Moshe saying, 'But you should not count Shevet Levi, and
you shall not take a census of them among Bnei Yisrael. You shall
appoint the Leviim over the Mishkan Ha'edus, over all its utensils
and everything that belongs to it...'"
Rashi, our most illustrious commentator, tells us that the Leviim
merited this elevated status because of their loyalty and courage at the
incident of the Golden Calf. The entire Shevet Levi refused to participate
in that sin, proving their unswerving dedication to the Creator of the
Universe.
The Ramban further enlightens us: "The task of the Leviim was not
so much to protect the Mishkan [and Beis Hamikdash] as a militia, but
rather to serve as an honor guard, as befits the royal palace."
The Jewish people's task is to be an instrument of recognition of Hashem
and His Will in this world. Chazal tell us that a true king only
assumes status as a ruler if there exists a nation that acknowledges and
follows his decrees. Thus, "Leviim" in all generations are those
Jews who steadfastly keep their focus on proper, enthusiastic service of
Hashem through His Torah.
The Leviim's duty in the Mishkan/Beis Hamikdash was to assist the
Kohanim — among other ways by singing and playing musical
instruments as korbanos were brought. The Ibn Ezra informs us that
the Leviim were to retain the duty of singing forever. Today, the
sound of our voices and music is, if expressed sincerely, an inner
expression of our souls yearning to come close to the Creator. Song also
expresses the fact that the total harmony of the universe is under the
absolute control and guidance of Hashem.
The Divine service of Levi represents the part of each of us that links us
forever with our spiritual purpose in this world. Rashi (on the same
passuk) tells us that "from this time on, the Leviim
were to be separated from the rest of the nation and elevated to a new
status." The Seforno (also on this passuk) informs us that
"because the Leviim would be performing their service on behalf
of the nation, the rest of the people would have the obligation to support
them by giving them tithes."
An ArtScroll commentary explains it thus: "Those who serve the people by
fulfilling their responsibilities in the Tabernacle, by teaching the
Torah, or by performing any other spiritual tasks are not to be regarded
as supplicants. It is a national responsibility to provide for those who
carry out the spiritual obligations of the rest of the people."
The Leviim were counted from one month and upward, with no limit
to age, indicating that their spiritual mission is not dependent on age or
strength. The Rambam describes the mission of the Leviim in
Hilchos Shemittah veYovel (13:12-13): "They are the legion of
Hashem, whose task is to serve Him and to teach His Torah and way of life
to others." He adds that anyone who follows the example of the Leviim
becomes sanctified as kodesh kodashim, and Hashem will be his
portion and heritage for all eternity. In this world, he will merit what
befits him, as the Kohanim and Leviim merited it.
This status of "Levi" is conferred for life upon all who totally dedicate
their lives to the service of Hashem, independent of age or strength.
A wonderful concept derived from the Leviim's designation is brought to
light by Bamidbar Rabbah (3:7): The infant Leviim,
counted from one month old, surely did not participate in guarding the
Mishkan, so they should have been counted from when they began service.
However, Hashem wished to reward them greatly for their loyal service, so
when they reached thirty years of age and began to serve, He retroactively
rewarded them as if they had indeed served from the age of one month.
This concept should be applied to our own lives. If we totally dedicate our
time, energy and potential from now on to the service of Hashem, we may
merit to have our entire lives credited as Divine service, as the
Leviim were blessed. How much hope and opportunity this teaching
offers us! We can no longer say, "It's too late," or "I have already wasted
so much of my life." If we start today with absolute dedication, we can be
credited with lifelong service.
Now let's look at a few classical chassidic commentaries on the names and
purposes of the three sons of Levi, who were each given a unique role in
the carrying of the Mishkan. Bamidbar 3:17 states, "These were the sons of
Levi, by their names: Gershon, Kehas and Merari." But in 4:4 it states,
"This is the work of the sons of Kehas in the Ohel Moed: the most holy..."
The commentators explain that Kehas was later listed before Gershon
because he was designated to carry the holiest parts of the Mishkan,
meaning that he had become elevated because of his assignment.
What can we learn and apply to our lives from this part of the Torah? The
Kedushas Levi and the Noam Elimelech inform us that Gershon, Kehas and
Merari represent three varying but proper approaches available to us,
depending on our spiritual level, when we are confronted by challenging
circumstances.
There is the level of the tzaddik, whose service is so unswerving that no
temptation lures him away from his steadfast dedication to the Creator.
This is symbolized by the sons of Kehas, who carried the Aron Hakodesh
miraculously on their shoulders, like tzaddikim who don't use the desires
or objects of this world for their own personal pleasure but only for
Divine service.
The next level of avodah is practiced by those who stay at a distance from
the allurements of the yetzer hara by make spiritual fences, as alluded to
in the name "Gershon" - separating or divorcing themselves from anything
that will blemish their service.
Then there are those times when, for all of us, the righteousness of
Kehas or the protective attributes of Gershon are not within our reach. At
such times we must use the inner strengths represented by Merari.
Literally, the name means "bitter"; and it is at those times, when life
seems bleak, when one feels helpless and besieged, that the proper
avodah is to cry out sincerely to our Creator.
Merari was assigned to carry the heaviest parts of the Mishkan, teaching us
that the proper path of service during difficult times, as hinted to in
his name, is to accept the yoke of Heaven with sincere repentance.
When the Jewish nation was asked, "Mi laHashem...?" the entire Shevet
Levi stepped forward. May we all merit to "step forward" and bring closer
the Final Redemption, soon in our days.
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