Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Numbers 35:4 mean when it talks about giving open spaces to the Levites?
A: Numbers 35:4 instructs the Jewish people to designate open land around the cities given to the Levites. According to Rashi, these 'open spaces' (migrashim) served as buffers for beauty and cleanliness, preventing overcrowding and providing room for gardens or pastures. The Levites, who did not receive a territorial portion like the other tribes (Devarim 18:1-2), were given cities to live in with surrounding land for their needs.
Q: Why were the Levites given special cities and open spaces?
A: The Levites were dedicated to serving in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later the Beit HaMikdash (Temple), so they did not receive a regular portion of land for farming like the other tribes (Bamidbar 18:20). Instead, they were given cities to live in with surrounding open land (migrashim) for their animals and basic needs. The Rambam (Hilchot Shemittah 13:12) explains that this arrangement allowed them to focus on their spiritual duties while still having livelihood support.
Q: How far was the open space (migrash) around the Levite cities supposed to extend?
A: The verse specifies that the open space around each Levite city extended 1,000 cubits (approximately 1,500 feet) outward from the city walls in all directions. The Talmud (Sotah 27b) discusses precise measurements, noting this area was distinct from the additional 2,000 cubits for techum Shabbat (Sabbath limits). Rashi emphasizes that this space was inviolable—it could not be converted into fields or other constructions.
Q: Do the laws about Levite cities apply today?
A: While the Torah’s commandments about Levite cities remain eternally valid, their practical application depends on the presence of the Temple and the Jubilee (Yovel) year system (Rambam, Hilchot Shemittah 13:1). Today, with the Temple not standing and the tribes not fully identified, these laws are not actively implemented. However, the principle—supporting Torah scholars and communal servants—remains central in Jewish life (see Talmud, Ketubot 105b).
Q: What lesson can we learn from the migrash (open space) around Levite cities?
A: The migrash teaches the importance of creating physical and spiritual 'space' for holiness. Just as the Levites needed room to focus on divine service, we too must carve out boundaries—whether in time (Shabbat) or environment—to prioritize spiritual growth. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 21:17) also links this to humility: just as the open land surrounds the city, we should surround ourselves with 'space' for self-reflection and improvement.
The Commandment of Migrashim for the Levites
The verse (Bamidbar 35:4) commands that open spaces (migrashim) surrounding Levitical cities must extend 1,000 cubits outward from the city walls. Rashi explains that these areas served multiple purposes:
Measurement of 1,000 Cubits
The Talmud (Eruvin 51b) clarifies that the 1,000 cubits were measured from the outermost house of the city, not just the wall. This ensured ample land allocation. The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 23:7) connects this measurement to the Divine Presence, as the same distance separated the Ark from the people during travels in the wilderness.
Spiritual Significance
Kli Yakar emphasizes that the Levites—who were dedicated to Torah and service—required physical space to maintain their spiritual focus. The migrashim symbolized separation from mundane pursuits, enabling their sacred role. Chizkuni adds that this arrangement reflected the Levites' unique status as "God's portion" (Devarim 10:9).