The feeling is as old as time, and it certainly echoes through the ancient stories of our ancestors. Let me tell you about a vision, a calling, described in Ginzberg's Legends of the Jews, that speaks to just that.
Imagine this: you're on a journey, settled in Beth-lehem (Bethlehem) for seventy days. Suddenly, a familiar feeling washes over you – another vision, just like one you've had before.
But this time, it's different.
Before you stand seven men, all robed in dazzling white. They speak, and their words are a command, a destiny unfolding. "Rise up," they say, "and array thyself in the priestly garments."
Think about the weight of those words. The kohanim, the priests, held a sacred role, connecting the people to the Divine. And now, this individual is being called to join their ranks.
The men instruct him to adorn himself with powerful symbols. First, the "crown of righteousness" – a reminder of the moral weight of the position. Then, the "ephod of understanding," a garment linked to divine guidance. Next, the "robe of truth," because honesty and integrity are paramount. And finally, the "mitre-plate of faith" and the "mitre of dignity," head coverings that symbolize devotion and respect. And lastly, the "shoulderpieces of prophecy," which suggest a divinely inspired role.
Each of the seven men presents him with a garment, investing him with the very essence of priesthood. With each piece of clothing, the reality of the moment would deepen.
And then comes the pronouncement, the declaration of a sacred lineage: "Henceforth be the priest of the Lord, thou and thy seed unto eternity." A promise of an eternal connection, a legacy passed down through generations.
The vision doesn't stop there. The men continue, promising sustenance and privilege: "And ye shall eat all that is lovely to look upon, and the table of the Lord thy descendants will appropriate for themselves..." This isn't just about material comfort. It speaks to the idea that those dedicated to serving God will be provided for.
The vision culminates in a powerful statement about the future. "…and from them will come high priests, judges, and scholars, for all that is holy will be guarded by their mouth." The individual’s descendants will not only maintain the temple rituals, they will become leaders, wise thinkers, and protectors of all that is sacred.
What a charge, what a responsibility!
This vision, recounted in Legends of the Jews, isn't just about one person's destiny. It speaks to the enduring power of calling, of lineage, and of the vital role of those who dedicate themselves to the sacred. It makes you wonder, doesn't it? What are we each called to do? What legacy will we leave behind? And how can we, in our own way, guard all that is holy?