Shevi’i
- Hashem designates gifts to the Levi’im:
- Maaser: The Levites are to receive Maaser from the Jewish people in exchange for their work in the Temple, so that the Jewish people are to no longer come close to the Ohel Moed and die.
- Inheritance of the land: The Levites will not receive an inheritance of land in Israel, as they were given the Maaser as their inheritance.
- Terumas Maaser: Hashem commanded Moshe to tell the Levites that they are to give Terumos Maaser from the Maaser that they receive from the Jewish people. The Teruma is to be given to Aaron the Kohen [and his sons the Kohanim]. Once the Teruma is set aside, they may then partake in the Maaser they received just like all other produce.
- The Maaser may be eaten anywhere, by one’s entire family, as it is his wages for working in the Ohel Moed.
Q&A on Rashi
Rashi Q&A — Bamidbar 18:21–32
18:21–22 — Leviim Receive Ma’aser
Q1. What do Leviim receive as their inheritance?
A:
➡️ All tithes (ma’aser) from Bnei Yisrael
Q2. Why do they receive ma’aser?
A:
➡️ In exchange for their service in the Mishkan
Q3. Why can’t Israelites approach the Mishkan freely?
A:
➡️ It causes sin and possible death
18:23 — Responsibility of Leviim
Q4. What does “והם ישאו עונם” mean?
A:
➡️ Leviim bear responsibility →
They must warn Israelites not to get too close
Q5. Why do Leviim not receive land?
A:
➡️ Their portion is:
- Ma’aser
- Service to Hashem
18:24 — Ma’aser Called Terumah
Q6. Why is ma’aser called “תרומה”?
A:
➡️ Because it contains within it the portion for Kohanim
📘 18:26 — Terumat Ma’aser
Q7. What must Leviim do with their ma’aser?
A:
➡️ Give a tenth of it to Kohanim
➡️ This is called terumat ma’aser
📘 18:27 — Status of Terumat Ma’aser
Q8. What is its halachic status?
A:
➡️ Like regular terumah (very strict)
Q9. What are the consequences of misuse?
A:
➡️
- Non‑Kohen eating → severe sin
- Must add a fifth (if accidental)
- Intentional → death by Heaven
📘 18:28 — Equality with Israelites
Q10. What comparison is made?
A:
➡️ Just like Israelites give terumah →
➡️ Leviim must also give from their portion
📘 18:29 — Best Portion
Q11. What must be separated?
A:
➡️ The choicest/best part (חֵלֶב)
Q12. What extra case is taught here?
A:
➡️ If Levi receives produce before Kohen:
- He must first separate great terumah (for Kohen)
- Then his terumat ma’aser
📘 18:30 — Remaining Tithe
Q13. What happens after separation?
A:
➡️ Remaining portion becomes ordinary food (chullin)
Q14. Who may eat it?
A:
➡️ Anyone, like regular produce
📘 18:31 — Where Can It Be Eaten?
Q15. What does “בכל מקום” mean?
A:
➡️ Can be eaten anywhere, even unusual places
Q16. Why is it permitted?
A:
➡️ Because it is their wage for service
📘 18:32 — Warning
Q17. What happens if Levi does NOT separate terumah?
A:
➡️ He incurs sin
Q18. Why is it considered serious?
A:
➡️ He is effectively:
- Stealing from Kohanim
- Profaning holy gifts
Q19. What is the consequence?
A:
➡️ Death (heavenly punishment) if misused