בס "ד

This Torah portion describes the role of the tribe of Levi (1:35-45). The tribe of Levi, who was chosen to serve before G-d, was not counted among the Israelites. They were responsible for taking care of the tabernacle, carrying it on the journeys of the Israelites in the desert, and setting it up at each site. Their role was also to protect the tabernacle from the entry of strangers who were not worthy to enter the holy place.

At the end of Hilchot Shemitah and Yovel, Maimonides (Chapter 13, Halacha 13), speaks of how every person, not only from the tribe of Levi, can become holy and become servant of G-d like the tribe of Levi if they only choose to do so: “…and the tribe of Levi is not alone, but every one of all the inhabitants of the world, whom His Spirit has chosen and whom He has understood His knowledge of being set apart to stand before the Lord to serve Him and to know the Lord, and he removed the thoughts of the multitudes that the sons of men sought—therefore he became to be the most holy, and the Lord will give him portion and inheritance forever and ever…”

Maimonides says that holiness does not depend on family lineage (like priests or Levites), but on free choice and spiritual devotion. The generosity of the heart is the central element here, regarding serving G-d Almighty. A person who chooses to serve G-d and separate himself from the vanities of this world, becomes at the highest level of serving G-d.

How can a Noahide earn this? Maimonides lists several conditions. It all begins with the volunteering of the heart to serve the Creator. Using reason and knowledge to understand the infinite greatness of the Hashem and what His will is for us. Removing the “burden of many accounts” is perhaps the greatest challenge. The material world produces a constant background noise – the pursuit of wealth, honor, and fleeting vanities. One must filter this “noise”, stop being enslaved to calculations of material survival, and free oneself up for the highest task. This message serves as a preparation for the holiday of the giving of the Torah. Internalizing and applying the message is only possible when accepting the yoke of the Torah and its commandments given at Mount Sinai: the Seven Commandments for the children of Noah and the 613 Commandments for the people of Israel.

When a Noahide accepts the Seven Commandments not only as a dry law, but out of a generosity of spirit and a desire to stand before G-d and serve Him – he becomes similar to the tribe of Levi. Maimonides emphasizes that this right is open to everyone. The right to keep the Seven Commandments holds tremendous potential. Just as the tribe of Levi is distinguished and exalted, so too each of the world’s inhabitants who has the spirit of volunteering to serve the Creator reaches the highest level to which his soul can reach.

Por el rabino Moshe Bernstein

Sources: Maimonides Laws of Shemita and Yovel Chapter 13, Halacha 13. Numbers 1:35-45.

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