Shishi
- Hashem instructed Moshe to preserve the staff of Aaron, and place it in the Heichal as a sign for the rebels and to end their complaint against Me.
- The Jewish people are in despair:
- After all the above events, the Jewish people cried to Moshe in despair that they will all be doomed, as anyone who breaches the boundaries of the Kohanim is bound to die.
- Hashem instructs Aaron to guard the Mishkan:
- Hashem told Aaron that he and his children will carry the responsibility of preventing breaches of non-Kohanim entering into the Mikdash.
- The tribe of Levi was given to Aaron to assist him in his work. The Levites are to guard the borders of the Mishkan, although are not to serve in the Temple.
- Hashem designates gifts to Aaron and the Kohanim:
- Kodshim: Hashem spoke to Aaron saying that He has given the Kohanim the rights to eat the meat of all the sacrifices, and flour offerings. Everything set aside from the sacrifices is given to them. Only males are to eat the sacrifices in a most holy way. Only pure Kohanim may eat it.
- Teruma: The people are to give Teruma to the Kohanim. The best of the grains and best of the wine and oil.
- Bikurim: The first of all their produce that is brought to G-d is given to you. It is to be eaten by those who are pure in your home.
- Cherem: Every Cherem [segregated property] is to go to the Kohanim.
- Bechor: The firstborn of a person and animal is to go to the Kohanim. The firstborn human and impure animals [i.e. donkey] are to be redeemed. The firstborn son is to be redeemed with five Shekalim after 30 days. The firstborn of pure animals is not to be redeemed, and is rather to have its blood and fat offered to the altar, as it is holy. You are, however, to eat its meat.
- Inheritance of the land: Hashem told Aaron that the Kohanim will not receive an inheritance of the land in Israel, as I am your portion and heritage among Bnei Yisrael.
Q&A on Rashi
📘 Rashi Q&A — Bamidbar 17:25–28 & 18:1–20
📍 17:25 — Aharon’s Staff as a Sign
Q1. Why is Aharon’s staff kept?
A:
➡️ As a permanent sign that Hashem chose Aharon as Kohen Gadol
Q2. What does “ותכל תלונותם” mean?
A:
➡️ To end all complaints against the Kehuna
Q3. What is the difference between תלונתם and תלונותם?
A:
➡️ תלונתם → one complaint
➡️ תלונותם → many complaints
17:27–28 — Fear of the People
Q4. What realization did Bnei Yisrael have?
A:
➡️ “We are dying / lost”
Q5. What worried them?
A:
➡️ Getting too close to the Mishkan → death
Q6. What confusion did they express?
A:
➡️ They did not know how close is too close
➡️ Fear of accidentally sinning
📘 18:1 — Responsibility of Kohanim
Q7. What is Aharon commanded?
A:
➡️ To take responsibility for the sanctity of the Mishkan
Q8. What does “תשאו את עון המקדש” mean?
A:
➡️ Kohanim are responsible if others trespass into holiness
➡️ Must warn and prevent mistakes
Q9. What does “עון כהונתכם” mean?
A:
➡️ Responsibility for errors within priestly service itself
📘 18:2–4 — Role of Leviim
Q10. What do Leviim do?
A:
➡️ Assist Kohanim by:
- Guarding
- Supervising
- Managing
Q11. What must Leviim NOT do?
A:
➡️ Not approach:
- The holy vessels
- The Mizbeach
Q12. Why this restriction?
A:
➡️ To prevent death due to improper service
📘 18:5 — Purpose
Q13. Why all this guarding?
A:
➡️ So there will be no more Divine anger (like Korach episode)
📘 18:6–7 — Gift of Service
Q14. What does “מתנה נתונים” mean?
A:
➡️ Leviim are a gift to Kohanim for service
Q15. Is this for personal use?
A:
❌ No
➡️ Only for Hashem’s service
Q16. What does “עבודת מתנה” mean?
A:
➡️ Kehuna is a gift from Hashem, not earned power
Q17. What is the warning?
A:
➡️ A non-Kohen who approaches → death penalty
📘 18:8 — Gifts to Kohanim
Q18. What does “הנה” imply here?
A:
➡️ Given with joy and affirmation
Q19. Why is this section placed here?
A:
➡️ To confirm Aharon’s rights after Korach challenged them
📘 18:9–10 — קדשי קדשים
Q20. Which korban parts belong to Kohanim?
A:
➡️ Leftover from:
- Mincha
- Chatat
- Asham
Q21. Where must they be eaten?
A:
➡️ Inside the Azarah
Q22. Who may eat them?
A:
➡️ Only male Kohanim
📘 18:11–13 — Additional Gifts
Q23. Who can eat these gifts?
A:
➡️ Entire Kohen household (including wife)
Q24. What gifts are included?
A:
➡️
- Terumah
- First fruits
📘 18:15–18 — Firstborns
Q25. What happens with firstborn humans?
A:
➡️ Must be redeemed (Pidyon HaBen)
Q26. What about firstborn animals?
A:
➡️ If kosher → given to Kohen
➡️ Blood & fats offered → meat goes to Kohen
Q27. How long can Kohen eat it?
A:
➡️ 2 days + 1 night
📘 18:19 — Covenant of Salt
Q28. What is “ברית מלח”?
A:
➡️ A permanent, unbreakable covenant
Q29. Why salt?
A:
➡️
- Salt does not spoil
- Salt preserves other things
📘 18:20 — Kohanim’s Portion
Q30. Why don’t Kohanim get land?
A:
➡️ Hashem says:
“I Myself am your portion and inheritance”
Q31. What does this mean practically?
A:
➡️ Their livelihood =
- Gifts from Israel
- Spiritual service