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The basic purpose of the assignment of the cities was so there should be somewhere for the Levi’im to live. In some ways it would have made sense for them to receive cities (without the need for much agricultural land, as they were sustained by their brethren) close to Yerushalayim. However, there were reasons for them to be dispersed throughout the Land, as Yaakov had already foreseen (Bereishit 49:7). Rashi (ad loc.) cites one reason – the need to receive their share of ma’aser where the produce grew. After all, it was not feasible to bring a tenth of all the Land’s produce to Yerushalayim throughout the year.
There was an additional need to create a partnership between the Levi’im, whose main purpose was to be occupied with service of Hashem, Torah, and spirituality, and the rest of the nation, who were involved mainly in agriculture and other material professions. While part of their job was focused around the Beit Hamikdash in Yerushalayim, the element of teaching Torah (see Devarim 33:10 and Rambam, Shemitta V’yovel 13:12) made it important for them to be spread out among the nation, within reasonable range of all their brethren.
If integration was an important consideration, though, we could have hoped that the Levi’im would be found in each city, not in separate regional cities. However, in this matter, it seems that the model found in the encampment in the desert was preserved. There, the Levi’im were indeed all together in the section of the encampment that surrounded the Mishkan. While for the reasons we mentioned and/or others they were spread out, it was still important to maintain a situation of living among their own tribe. Indeed, in order to maintain their function of serving as Levi’im, it was proper for them to remain somewhat insular.
Arguably, people are generally more spiritually successful when they live among those of their own type. It is important for qualified spiritual leaders to be available to help even or especially those parts of the nation who have strong spiritual challenges. However, it requires a special person to live full-time among those who are quite different and still succeed in influencing rather than being influenced (This is the classic model of a rabbi of a community which is quite different from him). The Levi’im were allowed and expected to live as a tribe of their own in such a way that they would still have some impact on those around them. (This is along the more recent models of garin Torani or community kollel). Indeed, there are many ways to serve Hashem and in the process have a fruitful symbiotic relationship with others, with or without giving up the normal desire to remain with one’s tribe, literally or figuratively. One should know his strengths and weaknesses and act for the sake of Heaven.
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)
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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)
