Dear Rabbi,

In Parshat Naso, the levite service is described as beginning at age 25, but in Parshat Beha'alotcha it is 30. Why the discrepancy? Moreover, if the age of majority for men is 13, what was the role of the levi'im from age 13 to 25?

Dear Bruce,

Rashi explains that the levi'im went through a five year "apprentice program" from the age of 25 until 30. At age 30 they then became integral members of the Temple service roster. Between age 13 until age 25 the levi'im apparently had no special role above that of any other Jew.