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Leviticus 8:3 - Public sanctity at Mishkan's entrance

Leviticus 8:3 - ויקרא 8:3

Hebrew Text

וְאֵת כָּל־הָעֵדָה הַקְהֵל אֶל־פֶּתַח אֹהֶל מוֹעֵד׃

English Translation

and gather all the congregation together to the door of the Tent of Meeting.

Transliteration

Ve'et kol-ha'edah hakhel el-petach ohel mo'ed.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאֵ֥ת כׇּל־הָעֵדָ֖ה הַקְהֵ֑ל אֶל־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃
וְאֵ֥ת כׇּל־הָעֵדָ֖ה הַקְהֵ֑ל אֶל־פֶּ֖תַח אֹ֥הֶל מוֹעֵֽד׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

The verse appears in Vayikra (Leviticus) 8:3, where Moshe is commanded to assemble the entire congregation of Israel at the entrance of the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) for the inauguration of the Mishkan and the consecration of Aharon and his sons as Kohanim (priests).

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchaki) comments that the phrase "וְאֵת כָּל־הָעֵדָה הַקְהֵל" ("and gather all the congregation") emphasizes the importance of public participation in this sacred event. He explains that the presence of the entire nation was necessary to witness the sanctification of the Mishkan and the Kohanim, thereby affirming their legitimacy and the divine nature of their service.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Maimonides) in Hilchot Klei HaMikdash (Laws of the Temple Vessels) underscores the principle that major communal mitzvot, such as the inauguration of the Mishkan, require the participation and acknowledgment of the entire nation. This public gathering reinforced the unity of Israel in accepting the divine commandments.

Midrashic Insights

  • The Sifra (a halachic Midrash on Vayikra) teaches that assembling at the entrance of the Ohel Moed symbolized the people's readiness to enter into a covenant with Hashem, just as they had at Har Sinai.
  • The Midrash Tanchuma adds that the gathering was a reenactment of Ma'amad Har Sinai (the standing at Mount Sinai), where all of Israel stood together to receive the Torah.

Symbolism of the "Ohel Moed"

The Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting) represents the dwelling place of the Shechinah (Divine Presence) among Israel. The Kli Yakar (Rabbi Shlomo Ephraim Luntschitz) explains that gathering at its entrance signified the people's approach to holiness and their commitment to serving Hashem collectively.

Halachic Significance

The Mishneh LaMelech (Rabbi Yehoshua Falk) notes that this verse establishes a precedent for public ceremonies involving the entire community, particularly in matters of national religious importance, such as the dedication of the Beit HaMikdash or the appointment of leaders.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Megillah 23b
The verse is referenced in the discussion about the minimum number of people required for a public reading of the Torah, connecting it to the concept of gathering the congregation.
📖 Sanhedrin 16b
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the proper procedures for assembling the community for important matters, emphasizing the importance of gathering at a designated holy place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'gather all the congregation' mean in Leviticus 8:3?
A: Rashi explains that this command was specifically for the inauguration of Aaron and his sons as Kohanim (priests). The entire nation needed to witness this sacred event to establish the legitimacy and authority of the priesthood for future generations.
Q: Why was the congregation gathered at the entrance of the Tent of Meeting?
A: The Midrash teaches that the entrance of the Tent of Meeting was the most public and accessible area of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). Gathering there allowed maximum participation while maintaining proper reverence for the sacred space. The Rambam notes this also established the pattern for public gatherings for mitzvot.
Q: What lesson can we learn today from Leviticus 8:3 about community?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 30a) derives from this verse the importance of communal participation in sacred events. Today, this teaches us the value of gathering as a community for prayer, Torah study, and mitzvot - following the model established at the Mishkan where all of Israel came together for holy purposes.