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Rishon
- The Menorah:
- Hashem spoke to Moshe saying: Tell Aaron that the seven candles of the Menorah are to be lit facing towards the Menorah. Aaron did as Moshe instructed. The Menorah was made of a pure block of gold, as Hashem showed Moshe.
- The inauguration process for the Levites:
- Hashem spoke to Moshe saying: Take the Levites for Hashem from amongst the Jewish people. Purify them through sprinkling on them purification waters and shaving all their hair off their skin. They are to immerse their garments and then become pure.
- Their Karban: They are to take a young bull [as an Olah] and its Mincha of flour mixed with oil, and a second young bull as a Chatas.
- Semicha to the Levites: All the Levites, together with all the Jewish people, are to be brought before the Ohel Moed, and the Jewish people will lean their hands on the Levites.
- Waving: Aaron will waive the Levites before Hashem and they shall perform their service.
- Semicha to the animals: The Levites shall rest their hands on the heads of the bulls, and one is to be offered as a Chatas while the second as an Olah.
Q&A on Rashi
Rishon
Q: What does “toward the face of the Candelabrum” mean?
A: It refers to the wicks of the six lamps on the branches positioned toward the central lamp on the main stem.
Q: How was the Candelabrum constructed?
A: It was hammered out of a single block of gold, from its base to its flower, with no individual parts attached.
Q: What is the significance of the purification water for the Levites?
A: It cleanses them from defilement caused by contact with the dead.
Q: Why were the Levites required to shave with a razor?
A: To symbolize atonement for communal idolatry, which is metaphorically linked to death.
Q: What was the purpose of the young bull used by the Levites?
A: It served as an ascent-offering and symbolized atonement for communal idolatry.
Q: Why does the text emphasize Aaron’s adherence to instructions?
A: To highlight his praise-worthy dedication and compliance without deviation.
Q: What was special about the wave-offerings performed by Aaron?
A: They symbolized the sanctification of the Levites and their roles tied to the holiest objects and services.
Q: What does “from its base to its flower” signify in the Candelabrum?
A: It illustrates the seamless construction of the entire Candelabrum from a single block of gold.
Q: What visual aid did God provide Moshe to understand the Candelabrum’s construction?
A: God showed Moshe a visual representation using His finger.
Q: Why is the term “second” used for the second young bull?
A: To indicate that both the ascent-offering and sin-offering bulls were handled similarly and not eaten.
Q: How were the Levites appointed for service?
A: They were convinced through words and rituals that emphasized their unique role as servants of God.
Q: Why were the Levites required to be gathered before the community?
A: To have the community lay hands on them, symbolizing their role as atonement-offerings.
Q: What is unique about the clan of Kehat’s service?
A: They carried the holiest objects, such as the Ark and the Table.
Q: What was the role of the clan of Gershon?
A: They managed the sacred tapestries visible inside the Holy of Holies.
Q: Why is the construction of the Candelabrum described as unusual?
A: It was fashioned entirely from one piece of gold, without separate components.
Q: What is the significance of the Levites as “wave-offerings”?
A: It underscores their sanctification and dedication to God’s service.
Q: How does the shaving ritual tie to the metzora?
A: It connects the Levites’ atonement for communal idolatry to the purification process of the metzora.
Q: Why was the Levites’ ritual considered unique?
A: It included elements of purification, sacrifice, and communal participation, emphasizing their pivotal role in service.