Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does it mean that the Levites were 'given' to Aharon and his sons?
A: According to Rashi (Numbers 3:9), the Levites were designated to assist the Kohanim (priests, Aharon's descendants) in the service of the Mishkan (Tabernacle). They were 'given' to the Kohanim to perform supporting roles like guarding the Mishkan, transporting its parts, and assisting with sacrifices, but not performing the actual priestly duties reserved for the Kohanim.
Q: Why were the Levites chosen for this special role?
A: The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 3:6) explains that the Levites demonstrated loyalty to Hashem during the sin of the Golden Calf, when they did not participate. As a reward, they were chosen to serve in the Mishkan. Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 3:1) also notes their unique status as substitutes for the firstborns, who originally were meant to serve but lost that privilege after the sin of the Golden Calf.
Q: How does the role of the Levites apply today without the Mishkan or Temple?
A: While we no longer have the Mishkan or Temple, the Levites still have certain honors in Jewish life. For example, they are called second to the Torah after a Kohen (Shulchan Aruch Orach Chaim 135:3). Additionally, their legacy teaches the importance of dedicating oneself to spiritual service and supporting Torah leaders, values that remain relevant for all Jews today.
Q: What can we learn from the phrase 'netunim netunim' (wholly given) being repeated twice?
A: The double language emphasizes the complete dedication of the Levites to their holy service. The Talmud (Yoma 23a) learns from this that just as the Levites were fully devoted to assisting the Kohanim in divine service, so too should we approach our mitzvah observance with complete commitment and without ulterior motives.
The Role of the Levites in Service to Aharon and His Sons
The verse (Bamidbar 3:9) states, "And thou shalt give the Levites to Aharon and to his sons: they are wholly given to him out of the children of Yisra᾽el." This establishes the unique role of the Levites as assistants to the Kohanim (priests) in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) and later in the Beis HaMikdash (Temple). Rashi explains that the double language of "נְתוּנִם נְתוּנִם" ("wholly given") emphasizes that the Levites were entirely designated for this sacred service and could not be substituted by others.
Midrashic Insights on the Levites' Dedication
The Midrash (Bamidbar Rabbah 3:8) elaborates that the Levites were chosen as a replacement for the firstborns, who originally were intended to serve in the Mishkan. After the sin of the Golden Calf, the firstborns lost this privilege, and the Levites—who did not participate in the sin—were selected instead. The phrase "מֵאֵת בְּנֵי יִשְׂרָאֵל" ("out of the children of Yisra᾽el") underscores that their appointment was a collective gift from the entire nation.
Rambam’s Halachic Perspective
Rambam (Hilchos Klei HaMikdash 3:2) derives from this verse that the Levites were assigned specific duties under the direction of the Kohanim, including:
The phrase "לְאַהֲרֹן וּלְבָנָיו" ("to Aharon and to his sons") reinforces their subordination to the priestly family, ensuring the proper hierarchy in avodas HaShem (divine service).
The Symbolism of "נְתוּנִם נְתוּנִם"
The repetition of "נְתוּנִם" ("given") is interpreted by the Baal HaTurim as alluding to two aspects of the Levites' role:
This duality reflects their complete devotion to both the practical and educational dimensions of their sacred mission.