Parsha Mitzvot: Shemini: Mitzvah 157 – Concept 325

“Do not leave the entrance of the Tent of Meeting lest you die, for the oil of God’s anointment is upon you (Vayikra 10:7) A Kohen must not leave the Temple during service (Rambam, Hilchot Bi’at ha-Mikdash – The Laws of Entering the Temple).

One who leaves in middle of the service, whether in the Temple or a synagogue, is behaving disrespectfully, as if he is saying that something else is more important! How can one be occupied in connecting the Upper and Lower Worlds and yet have his mind on something else? (Ramah)

The Blessings that we derive from our service, as all blessings, can rest only in concealment, for they are beyond physical comprehension. They can arrive in the intimacy of the Temple, or the privacy of our inner prayer. When we step away from the service or prayer, we are breaking the intimate and quiet connection that creates the proper environment for blessing. (Rekanati)