The Role of the Levite

The Leviim were sanctified with the special task of performing Temple service. They fulfilled the same role that is written on police cars in Los Angeles; “to protect and to serve.”

Protection meant that they were to physically guard all of the entrances to the Beit Hamikdash. They were on duty all hours of the day.

They served in the Temple as helpers to the Kohanim. They also participated in the Temple service by playing instruments and singing praises to Hashem.

The Leviim were generally poor, as the gifts they received were far less than those of the Kohanim. Nevertheless, many of them were devoted educators throughout Israel.

Today, the Levite has the duty of washing the hands of the Kohanim before the priestly blessing. He is honored with the second Aliya to the Torah after the Kohein.

The first born Levi is exempt from the Mitzva of Pidyon Haben. Even if one’s mother is a daughter of a Levi, there is also a Pidyon Haben exemption.

The Leviim merited their special role, when they did not participate in the sin of the Golden Calf. They took the place of the first born sons of Israel.

As the Torah says, the Leviim were separated for an exalted position. They fulfilled their role a lot better than the LA police!