Mitzvah —
317
The Kohen work shifts must be equal during holidays
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וְכִֽי־יָבֹ֨א הַלֵּוִ֜י מֵאַחַ֤ד שְׁעָרֶ֙יךָ֙ מִכׇּל־יִשְׂרָאֵ֔ל אֲשֶׁר־ה֖וּא גָּ֣ר שָׁ֑ם וּבָא֙ בְּכׇל־אַוַּ֣ת נַפְשׁ֔וֹ אֶל־הַמָּק֖וֹם אֲשֶׁר־יִבְחַ֥ר יְהֹוָֽה׃ וְשֵׁרֵ֕ת בְּשֵׁ֖ם יְהֹוָ֣ה אֱלֹהָ֑יו כְּכׇל־אֶחָיו֙ הַלְוִיִּ֔ם הָעֹמְדִ֥ים שָׁ֖ם לִפְנֵ֥י יְהֹוָֽה׃ חֵ֥לֶק כְּחֵ֖לֶק יֹאכֵ֑לוּ לְבַ֥ד מִמְכָּרָ֖יו עַל־הָאָבֽוֹת׃ - פָּרָשַׁת שׁוֹפְטִים
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Deuteronomy 18:6-8 - "And if a Levite comes from one of your cities out of all Israel where he sojourns, he may come whenever his soul desires, to the place the Lord will choose, and he may serve in the name of the Lord, his God, just like all his Levite brothers, who stand there before the Lord. They shall eat equal portions, except what was sold by the forefathers."
This Mitzvah's Summary
מִצְוָה עֲשֵׂה - Positive Commandment
מִצְוָה לֹא תַעֲשֶׂה - Negative Commandment
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
All Kohanim divisions must share equally in the Temple service during the pilgrimage Festivals.
This mitzvah ensures that all kohanim, regardless of their designated weekly rotation, share equally in the sacred service during the three pilgrimage Festivals — Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot. At these times, all twenty-four priestly shifts (mishmarot) served together in Jerusalem, and the offerings were divided equally among them.
The mitzvah reflects fairness, unity, and communal equality in the service of Hashem. It prevented disputes among the priestly families and guaranteed that all kohanim could participate in the spiritual elevation of the Festivals. It also highlighted the communal nature of these sacred days, ensuring that no kohen would be excluded from the Temple’s central role at the holiest moments of the year.
Commentary & Classical Explanation:
- Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:4): Rules that during the Festivals, all priestly watches share equally in the Temple service and in the division of offerings.
- Sefer HaChinuch (Mitzvah 500 in some editions): Explains that this command creates equality among kohanim and strengthens unity, especially during national gatherings.
- Talmud (Chagigah 18a; Sukkah 55b): Teaches that on the Festivals, all divisions of kohanim come together, symbolizing national unity before Hashem.
- Rashi (Deut. 18:6–8): Notes that any kohen who comes during the Festivals may serve, even outside his regular watch, and must share equally in the portions.
- Ramban: Emphasizes that the mitzvah expresses Hashem’s will that His servants share equally, preventing strife and ensuring peace in sacred service.
Commentaries
(Source: Chabad.org)
Applying this Mitzvah Today
Notes on this Mitzvah's Fundamentals
Holiness – קְדֻשָּׁה
- Rambam (Hilchot Klei HaMikdash 4:4) explains that equal priestly service during the Festivals maintains the sanctity of the Mikdash. Holiness is upheld when every kohen, regardless of family, is given the same access to Hashem’s service. This unity of participation demonstrates that holiness is not the property of individuals but belongs equally to all who serve Hashem.
Priests – כֹּהֲנִים
- Sefer HaChinuch teaches that kohanim were commanded to share the Temple service equally during Festivals so that none would feel excluded. This command prevents division within the priesthood and strengthens their bond as Hashem’s chosen servants.
Temple – בֵּית הַמִּקְדָּשׁ
- The Temple’s proper functioning required that all 24 mishmarot work together during the pilgrimage Festivals. Equal division of service and portions preserved dignity, reverence, and balance in the Mikdash.
Justice – צֶדֶק
- Talmud (Sukkah 55b) emphasizes fairness: all kohanim received equal portions, regardless of lineage or watch. This mitzvah established justice, eliminating favoritism and promoting harmony within sacred service.
Community – קְהִלָּה
- The Festivals gathered all Israel in Jerusalem. Equal priestly service mirrored this national unity, ensuring the kohanim reflected the communal equality of the people they represented before Hashem.
Holidays – חַגִּים
- The mitzvah is specific to the pilgrimage Festivals, when the whole nation ascended to Jerusalem. Equal participation by kohanim underscored the holiness and inclusivity of these days, reinforcing their communal and national significance.
Reverence – יִרְאַת שָׁמַיִם
- Rashi stresses that kohanim must serve equally during the Festivals because the service belongs to Hashem, not to human appointment. This fosters reverence by reminding Israel that Divine law, not human choice, governs worship.
Bein Adam L’Makom – בֵּין אָדָם לְמָקוֹם
- By giving all kohanim equal opportunity in service, Israel recognizes Hashem as the true sanctifier. The mitzvah reflects devotion to His command and honors His presence in the Mikdash.
Bein Adam L’Chavero – בֵּין אָדָם לַחֲבֵרוֹ
- This mitzvah fosters harmony and fairness among the kohanim themselves. By ensuring equality, it prevents jealousy and contention, instilling mutual respect and unity in sacred service.
