54. "This is that which belongs to the Levites" (Bemidbar 8:24). Come and behold: the Levite, who is 25 years old, reaches his place and is adorned. He will do service work for 25 years until he reaches the grade of fifty. When he reaches the grade of the fiftieth year and onward, he declines from the strength of fire within him. Since the fire and heat get cooler, he causes damage to the place to which he is connected, WHICH IS THE LEFT.

55. In addition, AFTER FIFTY YEARS, the singing voice is no longer that well connected with him, SINCE IT BECOMES A LITTLE WEAKER. It is necessary that this voice should not be flawed, but rather get stronger, since it stands in a place of strong Judgment and not in a weak one. Therefore, it is important not to degrade that place, THAT IS THE LEFT, to which he is assigned, since it is powerful Judgment and not feeble. It is necessary not to show any feebleness in any direction. Praised is the man that toils in the Torah, knows the ways of the Holy One, blessed be He, and does not deviate to the right or the left. It is written: "for the ways of Hashem are right" (Hoshea 14:10), MEANING ONE WHO FOLLOWS STEADILY IN THE CENTRAL COLUMN.