Drash on B’Midbar 2025

Rabbi Sam Zwarenstein

Emanuel Synagogue

Toward the end of this week’s parasha, we are presented with a powerful, yet authoritative description on how the holiest parts of the Mishkan (Tabernacle) were to be transported as the Israelites moved through the wilderness. Earlier in the parasha we are introduced to the Kohathites, the descendants of Kohath, who form one of the four main groups of the tribe of Levi. We now gain further insight into some of their duties.

“When Aaron and his sons have finished covering the sacred objects and all the furnishings of the sacred objects at the breaking of camp, only then shall the Kohathites come and lift them, so that they do not come in contact with the sacred objects and die. These things in the Tent of Meeting shall be the porterage of the Kohathites” (Numbers 4:15).

The text goes on to describe how Elazar (Aaron’s son) would then be responsible for oil for the light, incense, the regular meal offering, and the oil for anointing. This is followed by instructions to make sure the Kohathites understood their role and that they were appropriately supported.

The last verse offers another dire warning; “But let not [the Kohathites] go inside and witness the dismantling of the sanctuary, lest they die” (Numbers 4:20).

The text is very clear about delineating the roles and responsibilities of the respective participants and their duties. There is a designated order for the rituals to follow, and any Kohathite who does not follow the instructions, by touching or perhaps even seeing the uncovered ritual objects or sacred vessels will suffer fatal consequences. Why is this transgression deemed to be so horrendous that the punishment is death?

The answer can be found in the Torah’s strong focus on establishing and maintaining boundaries, especially when dealing with rituals and objects connected to Kedusha (holiness). It is not simply seen as an elevated state of existence, it is also a manifestation of the Divine Presence. If those involved in looking after or preparing ritual objects don’t do so with the right intention and purpose, then the possibility of trivialising or showing disregard for that which is holy becomes too great a risk.

It has been said that holiness can be viewed like electricity – it has immense power and it must be handled with the utmost care and appropriate insulation. This explanation helps to form the view that rather than being punished for transgressing the rules, the Kohathites were being cautioned about the significance and seriousness of their role.

We could certainly apply this lesson in our lives, be it in a spiritual sense or in other settings. Preparedness, humility and respect can often play a key role in how we approach matters and how we conduct ourselves. If we don’t apply appropriate measures or if we rush into any number of situations, we too run the risk of trivialising or disregarding these important moments.

We also learn the importance of clearly defined roles and responsibilities. The Kohanim (Aaron and his descendants) are responsible for making sure the ritual objects are properly covered before the Kohathites can approach them. It’s not about establishing hierarchy, but rather about setting functional boundaries and ensuring that the objects are treated appropriately and adequately protected. Each group has a unique role to play. Neither can fulfill the other’s duties whilst maintaining adequate levels of holiness and intent. Similarly, in our own communities, there is often a diversity in the roles we play, which empowers people to serve their communities in ways that align with their strengths and experience.

By understanding and honouring structure, preparing with intention, and embracing our individual responsibilities, we help sustain meaning and purpose in our lives and in the world around us.