Ask the Rabbi with Rabbi Chaim Mintz
In the Holy Temple, the Kohanim (Priests) and Levi’im (Levites) offered sacrifices on behalf of the rest of the nation. But since the main purpose of sacrifices is atonement, wouldn’t it be more appropriate for the individual seeking atonement to offer it himself?
Rabbi Chaim Mintz responds:
Individual Repentance vs. Specialized Service
The primary condition in achieving atonement is repentance, which is indeed done by the individual himself. He is also the one who spends the money and effort to provide the animal for the korban and bring it to the Beit HaMikdash. But the actual offering demands a precision in execution along with a degree of spiritual holiness that is beyond the reach of most people, and so we turn to the experts, the Kohanim and Levi’im.
The Unique Role of Shevet Levi
After the sin of the Golden Calf, Moshe stood in front of the entire nation and cried out, “Mi Lashem Eilai — Whoever is for Hashem, join me!” And only the tribe of Levi — in its entirety — answered the call. Their unwavering loyalty demonstrated a devotion to Hashem that set them apart from the rest of the nation, and Hashem responded by elevating them above everyone else.
Since they were chosen to be dedicated exclusively to the service of Hashem, Shevet (the tribe of) Levi did not receive a portion in the Land of Israel. Toiling the land to provide sustenance was left to the other tribes, while Shevet Levi spent their days serving Hashem and teaching Torah. As the Torah states (Bamidbar 18:20), “Hashem said to Aharon, You shall not inherit in their land, and you shall have no portion among them; I am your portion and heritage among the Children of Israel.”
Supporting the Kohanim and Levi’im
To make it possible for the Kohanim and Levi’im to focus on serving Hashem without any other concerns, the rest of the nation was charged with sustaining them through tithes, such as terumah, maaser, and challah. This freed them from the demands of earning a livelihood, enabling them to spend years mastering the service, studying Torah, and cultivating the spiritual level required by the avodah.
Their Elevated Level of Holiness
This elevated level of holiness is reflected in the laws that apply specifically to Kohanim. They are bound by additional mitzvot and prohibitions, including stricter limitations on whom they may marry and a prohibition to become impure. Additionally, the Torah commands us, “וְקִדַּשְׁתּוֹ — and sanctify him” (Vayikra 21:8), an obligation to honor Kohanim, expressed by such practices as giving them the first aliyah to the Torah and having them lead the bentching (Grace after Meals).
Representatives of the Jewish People
Another reason we need the Kohanim is for the communal sacrifices offered on behalf of the entire nation. Just as a group wishing to petition a king does not approach him one by one but sends a worthy representative to speak on their behalf, so too, the Kohanim serve as the representatives of the Jewish people before Hashem.
The Kohen Gadol on Yom Kippur
The Kohen Gadol (High Priest) on Yom Kippur is the ultimate expression of this role. Although each individual’s repentance remains essential, the Kohen Gadol was chosen to stand before Hashem and arouse His mercy, thereby achieving a full measure of atonement on behalf of the entire nation. To be prepared for, and worthy of, this lofty mission, he would spend the entire week beforehand in intense preparation, mastering every detail of the service and elevating himself spiritually, thereby becoming a fitting representative of the Jewish people.
In Short
The tribe of Levi answered Moshe’s call, demonstrating their loyalty to Hashem. Only such elevated people can achieve the precision and holiness the avodah demands, and act as national representatives for communal offerings.
Written by Rabbi Aaron Shapiro
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