*The article below is an excerpt from the above Sefer
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- After the above process is complete the Levites shall serve in the Ohel Moed as the representatives of Bnei Yisrael, having been redeemed in exchange for the firstborns, and given to the Kohanim.
- Moshe, Aaron and the Jewish people did to the Levites as they were instructed, and the Levites were purified, had their clothing immersed, and were waved.
- The years of service of the Levites:
- The Levites are to serve in the service of the Ohel Moed beginning from 25 years of age until 50 years of age. They are to retire from this service at age 50 but they shall serve as a safeguard in the Ohel Moed.
Q&A from Rashi
Q: What is the significance of the phrase “נְתֻנִים נְתֻנִים” (Given, given)?
A: It indicates two tasks: the Levites were given over for transporting the Tabernacle and for singing in the Sanctuary.
Q: What does the term “פִּטְרַת” mean in the given context?
A: It refers to the opening of something.
Q: Why does God state “For all the firstborn…are Mine”?
A: The firstborn were originally God’s by strict right, as He protected them during the plague in Egypt, until they strayed by worshiping the Golden Calf. The Levites were taken in their stead.
Q: Why are “The Israelites” mentioned five times in one verse?
A: To emphasize God’s affection towards them, as their mention corresponds to the five books of the Torah.
Q: What is the significance of the phrase “so that the Israelites will not be inflicted with a plague”?
A: It means that the Israelites need not approach the Sanctuary, as doing so improperly could lead to a plague.
Q: Who participated in the Levites’ ritual according to the phrase “Moses, Aaron, and the entire assembly…did”?
A: Moses had the Levites stand before God, Aaron lifted them as a wave-offering, and the Israelites laid their hands upon them.
Q: What does “They did…just as God had commanded” emphasize?
A: It highlights the obedience and praise of both those who performed the ritual and those who participated in it without protesting.
Q: What does the phrase “This is [the rule] concerning the Levites” teach us?
A: It indicates that age disqualifies Levites from service, but bodily defects do not, unlike priests for whom such defects do disqualify.
Q: How is the age discrepancy between “25 years old” and “30 years old” explained?
A: At 25, Levites began training and preparation, while at 30, they started their actual service.
Q: What does “And do no more work” refer to?
A: It specifies that Levites no longer carried sacred objects on their shoulders, but could still perform tasks like closing gates, singing, and loading wagons.
Q: What does וְשֵׁרֵת אֶת אֶחָיו (“he must serve his brethren”) imply?
A: It means they joined their brothers in communal service, as interpreted by Onkelos.
Q: What is meant by “To keep the charge”?
A: It refers to the Levites’ duty to encamp around the Tent to keep laypeople away, and to assemble and dismantle the Tabernacle during travels.
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