5756

During the investure of the Leviim, the Torah commands them to shave their heads. The Recanti observes the disparity between the term used for the Levi –taharah, purity – and that used for the Kohen -kedushah, holiness. What is the significance of the distinction between the goal set for these two paradigmatic spiritual leaders? Horav Eli Munk, zl, explains that “purity,” the term used for the Levi, indicates a negative quality, the absence of contamination. On the other hand, kedushah, the term used for the Kohen, signifies a positive trait. When the Levi cut his hair short, he was symbolizing…

The commentators question the repetition of the word runt, say (,rntu wrunt). Rashi cites the Sifra which views this redundancy as a special enjoinment to the Kohanim to speak to their children. By emphasizing to their children to guard themselves from contact with any form of tumah, spiritual contaminant, they will safeguard the holiness of their families. This explanation suggests that the second “amirah,” saying, was directed towards the children. The text, however, seems to imply that each “amirah” was directed to the Kohanim. Horav Elyakim Schlesinger, Shlita, contends that both “amiros” were intended for the Kohanim. Indeed, an important…