Levites and the Firstborn

Found 10 Search results

1. The Leviim and the Firstborn

   Rabbi Ezra Bick

   Why is the census described twice, and both times in great detail? Why aren't the Levites included in the census, while Moshe's orders not to include them only appear after the census? Why were the Levites given to Aharon, and only then said to replace the firstborns? Why were Moshe and Aharon's descendants mentioned separately?

2. "At That Time Hashem Distinguished the Tribe of Levi"

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   The selection of the Leviim includes two aspects: Secondary assistance to the primary servers of God – the Kohanim - and primary servers of God on the basis of their actions at the sin of the Golden Calf. The second aspect is prominent in the description of the Leviim in the Book of Devarim, despite the fact that it has no practical implication.

3. The Census of the Leviim (Audio)

   Prof. Jonathan Grossman | 19 minutes

   What is the reason for a census at the beginning of Sefer Bemidbar? And why is Levi not included in the general count? This shiur examines the significance of the census narratives in the parasha, uncovering messages about the role of the tribe of Levi and how they are meant to relate to Bnei Yisrael. 

4. Korach and the Power of Democracy

   Rabbi Alex Israel | 39 minutes

   One troubling aspect of Parshat Korah is that the rebellion never dies down. That seems to be because there are real issues here - Moshe and Aharon seem to have all the closeness to God, and the people do not share in the leadership or decision-making. So what was the problem with Korach? Is it possible for non-Leviim to attain holiness? The example of Shmuel ha-Navi provides a key.

5. Selling the Birthright - Or Sacrificial Rites?

   Rabbi David Silverberg

6. The Status of the Tribe of Levi

   Rabbi Amnon Bazak

   Parshat Bamidbar reflects two different aspects of the selection of the Levi’im. The first selection, described in chapter 1, arises from the sanctity of the tribe of Levi as a whole, as it was sanctified for God's service in the wake of the sin of the golden calf. According to the other perspective, as reflected in chapter 3, the source of the holiness of the Levi’im is actually the prior selection of the firstborn; the Levi’im are simply the replacement for the firstborn. Through a close analysis of the text we can understand the nature of the differences in these perspectives, and understand the unique role of the Levi’im. 

7. The Census of the Leviim and the Number of Firstborn

   Rabbi Elchanan Samet

   The census of the Leviim raises a number of questions, particularly regarding the population of the tribe of Levi- why is it considerably smaller when compared to the populations of the other tribes? Through a close examination of the text and commentaries, this article attempts to answer this question. 

8. Parshat Bemidbar Part 3: First Born, Kohen & Levi

   Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 25 minutes

   Which tribe is considered the leading tribe? Is it Reuven- the firstborn, or perhaps Yehuda or Yosef? This podcast discusses this question as it arises in Parshat Bemidbar. We also discuss Moshe’s unique role, as well as the role of the tribe of Levi as a replacement to the firstborns in the service of God in the Mishkan.

    

   Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com

9. Parshat Bemidbar Part 5: Levi’im Replace the First Born

   Rabbi Jonathan Snowbell | 25 minutes

   This podcast discusses the redemption of the firstborn through their replacement with the Leviim, and addresses some of the questions that arose in the previous podcasts.

    

   Courtesy of www.tanachstudy.com

10. First Born Second Fiddle

    Avidan Freedman