Access Denied. Two words that many detest. What happened when it’s about access to the sacred?
Cursory reading of the headlines won’t give you the full news story, just as the magnifying glass of the detective highlights incriminating details unseen by naked eyes. It’s possible that the editors of Torah either didn’t think that one day more of us will get suspicious and pry deeper, or perhaps simply didn’t care enough to cover their tracks. As noted earlier this week, by the time the authorities gained control of the religious leadership run by Priests and Levites there was little at risk anymore. Except there was. This chapter, cementing the authority of the Aaronite ruling dynasty repeats all the priestly perks and privileges, exclusive rights and classified access. Non-priests can’t enter the sacred precinct, and even Levites - like Korach - are def. second class. It didn’t begin this way and in this chapter scholars discovered one suspicious word that hints at the fact that this saga about Korach’s rebellion is indeed a much later historical moment, echoing evolving and ongoing struggles between religious factions vying for control. Dr. Ely Levine dates this text to the intra-priestly tensions in Babylonian period, and writes: “The urge to authenticate practice–in this case, limiting access to the Temple to priests–by connecting it with ancestors is strong and understandable and widely attested in many cultures. It is a direct consequence of looking to the ancestors as exemplars.”
The word used as evidence is the Hebrew ‘Od’ translated as ‘henceforth’ ‘no longer’, or ‘no more’.
“Henceforth, Israelites shall not trespass on the Tent of Meeting, and thus incur guilt and die.” (Ba 18:22)
It’s not big news that only Aaron and sons can enter the most sacred precinct and that for others it may be a fatal trespass. Why repeat it here, and as a new thing - from now on? The use of “henceforth” indicates important policy change - perhaps in response to Korach’s demands?
Levin claims that this insertion echoes the historically later reality where access was denied to all but priests - due to a transgression omitted by the Levites. Hidden in the text is a problem we don’t know about but only get to see the consequences. Amazingly, for centuries, the hierarchies of Kohen and Levi persisted, with plain Israelites bringing up the rear. Nowadays this ritual hierarchy is mostly pomp with very little consequences for most Jews - but it brings up the reminder that history moves in spirals or zigzag, and that there are still places where access is denied to the sacred, based on privilege and other factors that it’s on us to question, rattle, sometimes respect - and when coming with the right intentions - radically revise. Open tents, and open arms, is how we all become the nation of priests and beloved community where all, with all our differences, are equally holy and welcome at home.
Dr. Ely Levine agrees with Ibn Ezra on the word עוד
This last set of reflections read like a detective story, nightmare and archeological dig. I’m
Hooked!