D'var Torah: Levi, the third son of Yaacov, produced the most spiritually gifted family amongst the descendants of Yaacov Avinu. Levi's great-grandson, Amram, was one of the few people who never sinned. Amram's incomparable children were Aaron HaCohen, Miriam the Prophetess, and Moshe Rabenu, the redeemer of Israel. What was the secret of Levi's merit? The Egyptian bondage began as a "request." The Egyptians proposed that Klal Yisrael build cities as payment for their citizenship. All of the Jewish Tribes, except for Levi, acquiesced to this demand. Levi refused to abandon their study of the Torah. As a result, during the entire period of bondage, the Tribe of Levi immersed themselves in Torah study and was never enslaved. The Tribe of Levi's uncompromising dedication to Torah imparted dynamic dimensions of holiness into their souls. The holiness took root and blossomed in the emergence of Amram, Aaron, Miriam, and Moshe Rabenu.
Moral: The more we attach ourselves to Torah study, the more holiness, life, and joy fills our hearts and souls.
Application: Reflect on the verse, "All of you who attach yourselves to HaShem, your G-d, you are all alive today." Strengthen your commitment to Torah study and practice. Increase your awareness that your attachment to the Torah connects you to HaShem and Eternal Life. Rejoice in receiving HaShem's choicest blessings, merits, and eternal reward.
