The story of the establishment of
the foundations of the institutions of religion reaches its final chapters in
BaHa'aloscha. In it the Levi'im are inducted into Temple service. The inauguration starts with
Hashem commanding Moshe, "take the Levi'im from among the children of Israel ",
(Numbers 8:6). An elaborate service is then described which expresses the idea
that they are not only G-d's choice the representatives chosen by the people as
well. As such the Hashem states that, "they have certainly been given (נתנים נתנים) to Me from among the children of Israel ",
(BaMidbar 8:16). The commentaries note that the word "given" is
doubled.
The Sforno symbolically
interprets the double language as the Levi'im have given themselves over to
sacred service and they have also been given by the children of Israel
by means of their financial support. Rashi interprets the double language as,
"given for labor, given for song". He also explains "take the
Levi'im" as "take them with words [saying] happy are you that you
have merited to be servants of the Omnipresent".
The Cli Yakar develops these
ideas and adds the concept of atonement that the Levi'im have been given over
to service in the Tabernacle to atone for the children of Israel (לכפר על בני ישראל) (BaMidbar 8:19). Concerning
"taking" (קח), he follows the reasoning
of Rashi and the Sforno that the Levi'im have been tapped for authority (שררה). Concerning the double language of
"given", he renders one as given over to labor and servitude. The
second one he sees as atonement. The idea is that because the Levi'im are such
a fine choice, that it reflects positively on the people who have selected
them. Therefore whatever the foibles of the nation may be, one can look to
their representatives, the Levi'im, and find hope for improvement and a better
future.
The Cli Yakar also discusses the
concept of "Tuvia sinned and Zigud was punished" (טוביה
חטא וזיגוד מינגד) and rejects its applicability to this
situation. However it does seem to have some relevance as the Levi'im are to
serve as gatekeepers in the Temple .
Consequently if a person inappropriately enters into a restricted area of the Temple , and the Levi was
sleeping or otherwise derelict, he is responsible.
From these passages we learn
something about religious leadership in particular and social responsibility in
general. The Levi'im were originally tapped for service because of the
dedication and loyalty during the sin of the golden calf. They took the place
of the first born thereby assuming their positive characteristics. The first
born has an advantage in wisdom over those younger because age yields greater
experience and education. This makes him a natural example and commander. With
leadership comes responsibility because failure in leadership can result in
failures in the general population. However for a leader to succeed he must be
financially supported and honored by the ones he leads. In addition he must be
the hope and inspiration for all.
אזכור
הכבוד של תורמים ליד יוסף
אבי מורי פיליפ שרייבר, יוחנן הולצברג, אברהם שמרלר
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