YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Bamidbar
The Torah study is dedicatedin the memory of
Hana Bat Haim
Rashi (ad loc.) explains that when the firstborn were involved in the chet ha’egel (sin of the golden calf), whereas the Levi’im refrained from the idolatry, the Levi’im were chosen to take their place. Rashi does not mention when and why Aharon’s family was chosen as Kohanim. He also does not say that the Levi’im’s appointment was a prize for their behavior during chet ha’egel, but rather that the position was vacated when the firstborn sinned, and the Levi’im were the ones who took over. Rashi follows his major thesis that the Torah is not presented in an exact chronological sequence, and, specifically, that the instructions to construct the Mishkan followed chet ha’egel by several months (the project began right after Yom Kippur- Rashi, Shemot 31:18). Thus, we do not have a clear indication that the Levi’im’s appointment was a direct or immediate prize for their role within that crisis.
We will investigate a different aspect of the Tribe of Levi’s legacy before tying things together. The 12 tribes were blessed by two of our nation’s great leaders before the respective death of each. Yaakov, in relating to Shimon and Levi, two sons who had caused him much trouble, banished them from positions of leadership ("I will break them up in Yaakov, and I will scatter them in Israel" (Bereishit 49: 5-7). In contrast, Moshe praised the Tribe of Levi’s spiritual level, conferring upon them spiritual leadership in the service of Hashem and stressing their role of upholding the covenant in times of trial and tribulations (Devarim 33: 8-9). How do we deal with these contradictory appraisals of Levi’s standing?
We can propose two fundamental approaches. 1) The Levi’im were pushed off by Yaakov but were redeemed by Moshe because of their contribution at chet ha’egel. 2) Moshe maintained Yaakov’s misgivings toward the Levi’im, but devised a way of incorporating them into appropriate roles while neutralizing the dangers. If we take the second approach, we can explain as follows. The Kohanim were chosen first for their exalted role, not because they were from Levi but despite that fact and because of their unique qualifications as a holy family. The Kohanim could not do all the work themselves, and so assistants were sought out. The firstborn had the opportunity to get that role, but when they lost the opportunity, the Levi’im filled the void. As the Levi’im role was that of assistants, not leaders, it did not contradict Yaakov’s instructions.
Let us pray for the Levi’im’s and Kohanim’s return to their special roles.
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
fast navigation
Shoftim TESHUVA IN COURT OF LAW?
Parshat Shoftim-Chodesh Elul
Why does parshat Shoftim always come out during Elul? This innovative and central explanation is an eye-opener regarding many aspects of Judaism.
The Month of Elul TESHUVA IS THE ANSWER
The month of Elul serves as a vital time for self-reflection and personal accountability to prepare for true repentance.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
P'ninat Mishpat Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Chemdat Yamim The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part II
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the cornerstone laying for the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh – 1938)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
