The haftorah for Parshat Emor, drawn from Yechezkel, paints a vision of spiritual renewal. The scene is set in the future Beit HaMikdash, where Hashem designates a select group of Kohanim — the descendants of Tzadok — for the sacred task of serving. Unlike other priests who deviated from their role during times of national betrayal, the Kohanim bnei Tzadok remained steadfast. For that loyalty, they are given the privilege of return:
"They shall stand before Me to offer Me fat and blood — declares the Lord G-d — they shall enter My Sanctuary and approach My table to serve Me (לְשָׁרְתֵנִי)."
(Yechezkel 44:15)
The phrase לְשָׁרְתֵנִי — to serve Me — appears twice in these two verses, and nowhere else in all of Tanach. While many verses describe the service of Kohanim and Leviim using words like l'sharet or avodah, this intensely personal expression — to serve Me — is unique.
Why repeat it? And why use such rare language?
The answer lies in the contrast Yechezkel is drawing. The generation of failure, in which the majority of the Kohanim led the people astray, is not forgotten — but it is not the end of the story. The faithful few who kept their integrity are granted the opportunity not merely to return to the Beit HaMikdash, but to return to closeness with Hashem.
Rav Samson Raphael Hirsch explains that the word avodah, commonly translated as "service," means more than performance. It implies purpose, direction, and intentionality. The Kohanim bnei Tzadok are praised not for their ceremonial precision, but for their unwavering fidelity to Hashem. They served Me — not the crowd, not the moment, not convenience — Me.
That's what makes this language so powerful. These verses are not about function, they are about faithfulness. In a time of communal failure, they didn't chase approval or follow the masses. They kept showing up for Hashem. Quietly. Consistently. Without applause.
And in return, Hashem says: הֵ֤ם יָבֹ֙אוּ֙ אֶל־מִקְדָּשִׁ֔י וְהֵ֖ם יִקְרְב֣וּ אֶל־שֻׁלְחָנִ֑י לְשָׁרְתֵ֖נִי וְשָׁמְר֥וּ אֶת־מִשְׁמַרְתִּֽי׃ They shall enter My Sanctuary, and they shall approach My table, to serve Me, and they shall keep My charge. The image of the table — shulchani — evokes more than ritual. It signifies sustenance, and belonging. In the Mikdash, the table held the lechem hapanim, the showbread, a symbol of Hashem's ongoing relationship with His people. To be invited to Hashem's table is to be welcomed into a unique space of closeness.
This vision is not limited to Kohanim or prophets. It offers a blueprint for all of us. There are moments when it's easier to conform, to compromise our values, to serve what is popular rather than what is true. But the haftarah reminds us that Hashem honors those who remain steadfast, who live with conviction and clarity even amidst pressure. Yechezkel's words direct us to live with purpose, serve with integrity and be prepared to serve.The charge of לְשָׁרְתֵנִי — to serve Me — is not about the role. It is about the relationship.
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