Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Deuteronomy 18:6 mean?
A: This verse discusses the rights of the Levites (who did not inherit land like the other tribes) to come and serve in the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple) in Jerusalem, the place that Hashem chose. Even if a Levite was living elsewhere in Israel, he could come with full enthusiasm to serve in the Temple.
Q: Why is this verse important?
A: This verse highlights the special role of the Levites in Jewish worship and their connection to the Beit Hamikdash. Since they were dedicated to spiritual service and did not receive a portion of land, this law ensured they could participate fully in Temple service wherever they lived in Israel.
Q: What can we learn from Deuteronomy 18:6 today?
A: Even though we don’t have the Beit Hamikdash today, we learn the importance of supporting those who dedicate their lives to Torah study and spiritual leadership (like Kohanim and Levi’im). Additionally, it teaches us to serve Hashem with enthusiasm ('in all eagerness'), wherever we are.
Q: How does this apply to Levites today?
A: Today, Levi’im still have certain honors in Jewish practice, such as being called second to the Torah after a Kohen. While the Temple service is not currently active, this verse reminds us of their historic role and the future hope for the restoration of the Beit Hamikdash.
Q: What does 'the place Hashem shall choose' refer to?
A: This refers to Jerusalem, specifically the Beit Hamikdash (Holy Temple), as explained in traditional Jewish sources like Rashi and the Talmud. The Torah emphasizes that Jerusalem was divinely selected as the central place of worship for the Jewish people.
The Levite's Voluntary Service in the Temple
The verse discusses the case of a Levite who chooses to leave his dwelling place among the Israelite cities to serve in the Beit HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that this refers to a Levite who was previously engaged in serving idols (as some Levites did during certain periods) but now sincerely desires to serve Hashem in the proper place of worship. The phrase "בְּכָל־אַוַּת נַפְשׁוֹ" ("with all eagerness of his soul") emphasizes the sincerity and wholeheartedness of his repentance and dedication.
The Levites' Special Role
Rambam (Hilchot Shemitah v'Yovel 13:12) elaborates that the Levites were not given a portion in the Land of Israel like the other tribes, but were instead designated as servants of Hashem. This verse highlights their unique spiritual role, showing that even if they had been living among other tribes, their true calling was to serve in the Beit HaMikdash. The Sifrei notes that this mitzvah encourages Levites to ascend to Jerusalem and participate in the sacred service, reinforcing their divinely appointed mission.
The Centrality of the Chosen Place
The phrase "אֶל־הַמָּקוֹם אֲשֶׁר־יִבְחַר יְהוָה" ("to the place which the Lord shall choose") refers to Jerusalem and the Beit HaMikdash, as explained in Deuteronomy 12. The Talmud (Zevachim 119a) derives from this verse that the Levites, like all Jews, must direct their spiritual aspirations toward the central place of worship. The Kli Yakar adds that this teaches that true service of Hashem must be unified and centralized, not fragmented.
Practical Halachic Implications