Throughout history, Shevet Levi has held a unique role. In Parshat Bamidbar we see this manifested dramatically. Whereas the rest of the nation was counted from the age of 20 until 60, the Levi’im were counted from the age of one month. What is the significance of this difference and particularly, what is the significance of being counted at such a young age?
Rav Gamliel Rabinovich asserts that the birth of every Levite increases the level of kedusha in the world. This kedusha consequently affects all Jews learning and upholding Torah.
Rav Moshe Feinstein, in Derash Moshe, explains that really every Jew should be counted from birth as a potential servant of Hashem. However, since one can’t know that the infant’s parents will dedicate the time and effort to ensure success in this endeavor, we wait until 20 years of age when the child has matured and truly commits himself to his avodat Hashem. However, the tribe of Levi, which was suffused with holiness and holy service, has an implicit assurance that already from birth, their children will be dedicated ovdei Hashem, and thus can be counted as part of the klal from 30 days of age. Rav Moshe adds that a family who is committed to Torah living can understand the following statement made at a brit milah, “Just as the child has entered the covenant, so too will he take part in Torah, marriage, and good deeds,” as not only a blessing to be fulfilled, but as a statement of commitment to embark on a life defined by Torah.
The Tribe of Levi showed their dedication to Hashem and zeal to uphold His Will at a time when the majority of the nation succumbed to the sin of the Golden Calf. They took up arms without hesitation against all those who sinned, regardless of familial ties. This total dedication to Hashem, explains Rav Schwab, creates an environment in which children will develop a sense of complete allegiance to ratzon Hashem (will of God). Such chinuch creates a life of sanctity and spiritual focus, truly the mark of those that bear the title “shomer mishmeret haKodesh – guardians of the holy watch.”
Rav Nissin Alpert adds that the members of Shevet Levi are born with intrinsic holiness. Levi’im raised their children with the attitude of developing this specialness, notes Rav Shternbach. They are therefore considered guardians of holiness even from the tender age of one month. Indeed, we can apply this notion to all those who raise their children with wholehearted devotion to the ratzon Hashem. They are considered to be guardians of holiness too.
We can learn from Moshe Rabbeinu how to guide our children from a young age towards a life of holiness. When carrying out the census, Moshe Rabbeinu stood at the door of each tent, rather than have the children come outside to be counted. Rav Kasba in Vayomer L’Yehudah sees a powerful model here. To raise children with holiness, one must create an environment of holiness, safeguarding and protecting our families from influences that may negatively affect us. Infusing our homes with wholesomeness and sanctity, keeping our values sacred, will instill the faithfulness and dedication to guard our spiritual mission in this world.
Mrs. Shira Smiles, a lecturer, author and curriculum developer, is a member of the Mizrachi Speakers
Bureau (www.mizrachi.org/speakers).
