The following are [the details concerning] the Ma`amadoth. Because it is said, command the children of Israel [and say unto them]: my food which is presented unto me. Now how can a man`s offering be brought [on the altar] and he is not present? [therefore] the earlier Prophets instituted twenty-four mishmaroth, and each Mishmar was represented [at the Temple] in Jerusalem by its own Ma`amad of priests, Levites and Israelites. When the time came for the Mishmar to go up [to Jerusalem] the priests and Levites went up to Jerusalem and the Israelites of that Mishmar assembled in their cities and read [from the Law] the story of creation.
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