Can I Become a "Levite?" - Beha'alotecha 5786

“Can I become a Levite?” the great philanthropist asked the Rabbi.  It is a famous old joke (usually told about Kohanim). The Rabbi says: “I’m sorry, I can’t make you a Levite.”  The man pleads and begs, but the Rabbi refuses to budge.  He offers a million dollars, but the Rabbi says “I’m sorry, I just can’t make you a Levite.”  (There is a PS to this joke, I’ll get to that soon.)

When the disappointed man leaves, the Rabbi’s assistant follows him out and asks why it is so important for him to become a Levite.  “Well,” he answers, "My father is a Levite and my grandfather was a Levite, I also want to be a Levite!”

At the beginning of our Parsha this week, Hashem tells Moshe to separate the Levites to work in the Mishkan (traveling Sanctuary), and later in the Holy Temple, alongside the Kohanim (priests).  The Levites (Leviim) were chosen by their lineage, as descendants of Yaakov’s son Levi, with the exclusion of Aarn’s branch of the tribe, who were the kohanim.  This heredity is patrilineal, passing from father to son.   While the Torah tells us that Jewish identity is decidedly matrilineal, tribal affiliation is from the father.

A Levi would begin a five year training period at age 25, and actually start performing the service at age 30.  As the Jews traveled through the desert toward our promised land of Israel over 3.300 years ago, the Leviim carried the portable Mishkan, its walls, roof coverings, posts, beams, curtains, furniture, utensils and other items.  Quite a load, some on wagons and some by hand and on shoulders.

The Leviim also performed many functions in the Mishkan and the Holy Temple.  They guarded the building, opened and locked the gates, created choirs and orchestras to sing along with the service, and provided support for the kohanim as well as all the visitors.  The Leviim’s presence and service was part of the spiritual atmosphere in the Temple.  A person bringing an offering was entering the [lace where Hashem’s Presence was felt.  He or she was atoning for a sin or bringing a gift of appreciation, and the Leviim helped the person reach the appropriate level of spiritual connection.

The Leviim were also teachers for the nation in general.  They lived in 48 cities scattered around the country and taught Torah and counselled the people.  Their cities were Cities of Refuge for accidental killers and in general they were a force for good and holiness.  During times when many did not circumcise their boys, due to travel, for example, the Leviim continued to circumcise.  They refused to worship the Golden Calf, and did not participate in the debacle with the spies.

While the Leviim had 48 cities, they did not have a portion of the land like all the other tribes.  Rambam writes about this (Mishneh Torah Shmita and Yovel 13:12): Why did the Levites not receive a portion in the inheritance of Eretz Yisrael and in the spoils of war like their brethren? Because they were set aside to serve G-d and minister unto Him and to instruct people at large in His just paths and righteous judgments, as (Deuteronomy 33:10) states: “They will teach Your judgments to Jacob and Your Torah to Israel.” Therefore they were set apart from the ways of the world. They do not wage war like the remainder of the Jewish people, nor do they receive an inheritance, nor do they acquire for themselves through their physical power. Instead, they are G-d’s legion, as ibid11 states: “G-d has blessed His legion” and He provides for them, as (Numbers 18:20) states: “I am your portion and your inheritance.”

So, to go back to the original joke - can you become a Levite?  Not in the heredity sense.  But Rambam continues his discussion about Leviim as follows (ibid 13):  Not only the tribe of Levi, but any one of the inhabitants of the world whose spirit generously motivates him and he understands with his wisdom to set himself aside and stand before G-d to serve Him and minister to Him and to know G-d, proceeding justly as G-d made him, removing from his neck the yoke of the many reckonings which people seek, he is sanctified as holy of holies. G-d will be His portion and heritage forever and will provide what is sufficient for him in this world like He provides for the priests and the Levites. And thus David declared (Psalms 16:5): “G-d is the lot of my portion; You are my cup, You support my lot.”

So if your father is not a Levi, you can’t be a Levite.  But you can certainly choose to be a “Levite” in spirit and deed.  May Moshiach come, and we will once again see the Leviim serving in the Holy Temple in all their glory.