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A FAVORITE CHILD? Courtesy: Revach L'Neshama "VaEtna Es HaLevi'im Nesunim L'Aharon" (Bahaloscha 8:19). Hashem tells Moshe Rabbeinu to set aside the Levi'im and make them Kadosh. Rashi points out that in this pasuk it says the words Bnei Yisroel five times! By mentioning their name repeatedly, explains Rashi, Hashem is showing His love for Klal Yisroel. Why does Hashem need to show his love for Klal Yisroel in this pasuk? Rav Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev in Kedushas Lavi explains that when a person chooses one particular thing from among many it shows that he likes that one more than the others. In this case Hashem separated the Levi'im from among the rest of Klal Yisroel and gave them a special role. It may appear to some that Hashem loves Bnei Levi and not the rest of Bnei Yisroel, Chas V'Shalom. Therefore in this pasuk, Hashem is particular to mention the name of Bnei Yisroel no less than five times to show that he loves all of Klal Yisroel. It is precisely because of Hashem's love for Bnei Yisroel that He separated Bnei Levi . The Levi'im were chosen not because they are any more loved but rather to serve in the role of being Michaper (to atone for the sins of )on Bnei Yisroel. Often times a parent must choose a child for a particular role. Regardless of the role or the reason why the parent chose that child, the mere fact that one child is singled out by the parent and given something unique can create bitterness amongst the other siblings who feel snubbed. We can learn from our Father in Shamayim that when we are forced to make a move like this we should be sensitive to the feelings of the other children even if they are unjustified. We must explain the special treatment and at the same time shower the others with extra love to show them that they are equally loved. |