Jewish American Idol? Who knew!

Power of song

This week’s parsha, Nasso, starts out with Moshe being commanded to count the family of Gershon, a Levite tribe, to discern if they were worthy of the following:

1.     Organizing the departure of any woven material, tapestries, curtains, etc, and transporting them.

2.     Singing during the morning and afternoon sacrifices.

The choir was made up of twelve men, but more could be added. Additionally, there was a harmonious orchestra, whose players were not required to be Levites.

In the temple, the Gershon Levites would sing and play their enchanting music. The Jewish people would hear the beautiful choir and become encapsulated by the harmonious orchestra. Each day had a special Tehillim, which the choir sang ever so magnificently. The most captivating Tehillim was the Tehillim for Shabbot day (Tehillim 92:1).

This verse of Tehilim was not only referring to the weekly Shabbot, but it was making a reference to the era after the final redemption, known as the “great Shabbot of history.”

The essence of the weekly Shabbot is shedding light to what the future redemption will hold. As we work all week and are privileged to sanctify the holy Shabbot, during the redemption, we will be able to enjoy the fruits of our life long labor.

Furthermore, after the destruction of the two temples, the beautiful music ceased to play. Unfortunately, the songs we sing today do not compare in kedusha-holiness- and are not as spiritually harmonious as they were in the times of the temple.

Fortunately for us, our ears will hear the sweet encapsulating songs of the Levites singing when the “great Shabbot of history” graces us with her presence in the coming redemption. Until then, when we hear music playing, we should have in mind how much sweeter the Levite choir will sound in our future temple.