In this week’s Torah portion, we encounter a difficult moment in the Israelites’ journey through the wilderness. The following scene unfolds between Korach and his followers (a group of 250 individuals,) and the leaders of the Israelites- Moses and Aaron in Numbers Chapter 16, verse 3:
They (Korach and his 250 followers) combined against Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! For all the community are holy, all of them, and Adonai is in their midst. Why then do you raise yourselves above Adonai’s congregation?”
This moment of frustration and rebellion does not go unnoticed by God. There is a duel of sorts with fire pans, which doesn’t end well for Korach and his group. All of them face an extreme punishment of being swallowed up by the earth.
When reading this portion, Korach’s fate feels a bit unfair. As a Reform Jew who believe in a democratic system of Judaism, Korach’s frustration with his leaders seems somewhat warranted! After all, isn’t it true that every one of us is b’tzelem elohim- made in God’s imagine, carrying a spark of holiness within us? Korach is right! Why shouldn’t others in the community be able to lead and be seen as holy?
Several commentators speculate it isn’t Korach’s idea that is at odds with his leaders, but rather, his delivery. Maybe his tone and intention in the moment of rebellion is what cause the extreme punishment he received. And perhaps Korach’s rebellion didn’t start from a place of unity and hope, like we might imagine, but rather, from ego and personal gain.
In our world at this moment, there is a strong desire to share what we think, speak on important issues in order to demonstrate that we care. I certainly feel that pull. But sometimes, I need to step back and reconsider my purpose and my actions. Perhaps if Korach would have taken a moment to focus on his intentions, to listen to his peers, or to examine the situation with more curiosity, he might have found a better way to get his point across.
As we enter Shabbat, I want to take this lesson with me. May we find our own voices in these difficult times, and have the opportunity to stand up for what we believe in, while also letting go of our egos, making space to listen to others and having an open mind. And although Korach went about it the wrong way, it’s never a bad time to remember that we are all b’tzelem Elohim and to embrace the inherent holiness in each of us.
Shabbat Shalom,
Cantor Sydney Michaeli
