In this week’s parsha we learn that the jobs of the Levi’im were: “...לַַֽעֲבֹד עֲבֹדַת עֲבֹדָה וַעֲבֹדַת מַשָׁא בְׁאֹהֶּל מוֹעֵד ” - to perform the service of the service and the work of carrying, in the Tent of Meeting. (Bamidbar 4:47-48)
Ask around your Shabbos table: What specifically was עֲבֹדַת עֲבֹדָׁה (service of the service) that the Levi’im had to do?!
Answer: Rashi (Bamidbar 4:47) explains: - הוא השיר במצלתים וכנורות, שהיא עבודה לעבודה אחרת This refers to the singing, accompanied by music from cymbals and harps, which is a service for another service.
We learn from this peirush Rashi that “avodas avoda” is referring to singing and music of the Levites in the Mishkan. There are many reasons why HaShem wanted singing and music in the Mishkan (and in the Beis HaMikdash.) It seems that one of those reasons was to help a Jew who would come to the Mishkan feel elevated and inspired, since bringing Jewish people close to their Father in Shamayim was the essence of the Mishkan.
Hence, we see from here that in the eyes of the Torah singing that brings a Jew close to his Creator is not “just singing”, it’s an avoda! Therefore, on Shabbos and Yom Tov - the times dedicated to raise our love for HaKadosh Boruch Hu and become closely attached to him - we should make sure to sing z’miros. It is a type of our avoda!
