Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who were the sons of Levi mentioned in Genesis 46:11?
A: The sons of Levi were Gershon, Qehat (Kehat), and Merari. These three became the founders of the Levite families, who later served specific roles in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that this verse lists Levi's descendants who went down to Egypt with Yaakov (Jacob).
Q: Why is it important to know the names of Levi's sons?
A: Levi's sons—Gershon, Qehat, and Merari—formed the three main branches of the Levite tribe. Each family had distinct responsibilities in transporting and maintaining the Mishkan (Tabernacle) during the Israelites' travels in the desert, as detailed later in the Torah (Bamidbar/Numbers 3-4). Their roles were hereditary and essential for divine service.
Q: What can we learn from the listing of Levi's descendants in Genesis 46:11?
A: This verse teaches the importance of family lineage (yichus) in Jewish tradition, especially for the tribe of Levi, who were chosen for sacred service. The Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3) discusses how the Levites' roles were passed down through these families, showing that spiritual duties are often tied to ancestry and responsibility.
Q: How does the tribe of Levi's role apply today?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan or Beit HaMikdash, the Levites' legacy reminds us of dedication to Torah and communal service. Today, Kohanim (descendants of Aharon, a grandson of Qehat) still have certain mitzvot, like blessing the congregation (Birkat Kohanim). The Talmud (Sotah 37a) also highlights the Levites' role in teaching Torah, a value that continues in Jewish education.
The Sons of Levi: Gershon, Qehat, and Merari
The verse וּבְנֵי לֵוִי גֵּרְשׁוֹן קְהָת וּמְרָרִי (And the sons of Levi: Gershon, Qehat, and Merari) enumerates the three primary branches of the Levite family, who were designated for sacred service in the Mishkan and later the Beit HaMikdash. Each son represents a distinct lineage with unique responsibilities.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (on Shemot 6:16) notes that the order of the sons of Levi is not chronological but rather reflects their spiritual stature. Gershon is listed first because he was the firstborn, followed by Qehat, who was greater in wisdom and merit (as Moshe and Aharon descended from him), and finally Merari.
Roles in the Mishkan
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 3:6) teaches that the division of labor among Levi's sons symbolizes different aspects of Torah service: Gershon represents the study of Torah (soft coverings like parchment scrolls), Qehat embodies the innermost sanctity (like the Aron containing the Luchot), and Merari signifies the framework that supports Torah (just as the Mishkan's structure upheld its holiness).
Rambam on Levitical Service
Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 3:1-2) elaborates that the descendants of Levi were set apart for Divine service, and their roles were hereditary. The division into three families ensured an orderly system for maintaining and transporting the Mishkan, reflecting the precision required in avodat Hashem.