Holiness (a mandate by G-d Lev 21)

- Not “spiritual” (Deut 12: 29-31, Lev 19: 26)

- But “separated” “set apart” “unique”
Ex 19:6
- A kingdom of kohanim and a holy nation
Num 23: 9
- Ex 33:16 + Esth 3:8

According to the view of Torah – Israel lives separately, differently

And especially the priests, have been “sanctified” distinctively by the Creator himself – for himself.
- Singled out for a life dedicated to him  Their lot is one of dedication, of separation - for they are the
servants of HaShem and the custodians of His service. "... For he presents the offering to your G-d... "
- Because of this, "... he must be holy, for I am G-d - I am holy and I am making you holy." The Creator has
sanctified these men above the rest for all time, and drawn them to Himself through unique commandments.
The vehicle that accomplishes this sanctification is the commandments (Torah)
The Commandments reflect their unique status.

Levitical Priesthood
- Ex 40: 15
o A forever institute
- Deut 18: 5
o A minister of and to HaShem

Aharon, “founder”, brother of Moshe, tribe of Levi (son of Yaakov)

- 4th gen descendant of Levi
- Kohen Gadol: high priest
- His four sons: kohanim
Kohen: to serve
- ken: yes and kivvun: to direct
- so they can serve me (Ex 28:1)

What do they do?

- Primary role is in the Temple
- Officiating at the offerings and other parts of the service
- Attending to the various aspects of the Divine service
o Serving as a conduit to bring down G-d’s blessing and influence into the world
o Commanded to deliver His blessing of peace and love to the people (Numb 6: 22)

From the Temple Institute: “Every day in the Temple, at the conclusion of the morning service, this blessing was
performed by the officiating kohanim, standing on the steps leading up to the sanctuary. Thus while it is only G-d who
has the power to bestow blessing upon people, the function of the kohanim was to serve as a vehicle, a medium, through
which the Divine influence may descend
"... He stands behind our wall... "
This concept of the kohanim "directing" the flow of Divine blessing is alluded to by a verse in the Song of Songs (2:9 -
10): "Behold, He stands behind our wall, watching through the windows, glancing through the cracks."
The sages of the Midrash interpret these words to mean that it is G-d who stands behind the priests as they deliver His
blessing. The illumination of His Presence shines through their hands, which are outstretched as they utter the priestly
blessing.
through the ensuing course of history, it was generally the tribe of Levi and the priestly family in particular that were
exemplary in their zealousness for the honor of G-d. Thus it was the priestly family of the Hasmonaim - the
famous "Maccabees" - who led the revolt against foreign idolatrous influence and rededicated the Holy Temple, events
marked by the holiday of Chanukah.

The daily blessing of the priests in the Temple serves to open the Heavenly gates of mercy. Through it, the people of
Israel merit not only material well-being - including offspring and longevity - but spiritual blessings as well; mercy,
Divine protection and the greatest blessing of all... true peace. Since the priests themselves represent the attribute of
kindness, their service brings the flow of G-d's blessing down to His people.