The Levitical Choir and Songs

Within the Temple the music was assigned to the domain of certain Levitical families as described in I Chronicles 9 and supporting information found in the Mishnah, Tosefta and both editions of the Talmud. Within the Levitical families that supplied the music there were two groupings, those that played musical instruments and those that sang. Beneath the Ezrat Yisrael (Court of Israel), the extreme eastern sub courtyard within the Azarah were chambers where the Choir and Musicians practiced. These chambers had doors from the Ezrat Nashim (Court of the Women) where the choir enter and exited. Because of the need for perfection in the songs the choir and musicians had chambers within two of the corner buildings adjoining the Azarah. These buildings were on the Southeast Corner (Beit Avtinas) and Northeast Corner (Beit haNitzotz). They were know as the Lishkot Peturim (Chambers of the Exempt Ones – I Chronicles 9). They had this name as due to the time consuming work of bringing the songs to perfection, they were exempt from all other responsibilities. The chambers were in the non-sanctified sections of the building (the end closest to the Cheil) on their respective sides. This allowed the Choir and musicians to be able to sleep during their week of duty.

The Choir and Musicians stood upon the Dukhan. This was a platform of three steps 135 cubits from south to north, and 2 1/2 cubits deep. The Dukhan was facing the East rather than towards the west and the Holy of Holies. This indicates that the songs were from Hashem to the people. The minyan for the Dukhan was 12. Young sons below Bar Mitzvah age stood in front of their fathers to add sweetness to the song. The Choir would serve one week in the first half of the year and one week in the second. In addition the Choir would be present for all of the Chaggim (Festivals).

The Choir played and sang specific songs for the Day of the week as well as ccertain songs to accompany different ceremonies. When not in the Temple their year was spent in practicing for the specific songs that would be used during their time in the Temple. The restoration of the song of the Temple is one of the most exciting aspects of what is happening in today’s world.