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Korach – קֹרַח (Numbers 16:1−18:32)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Korach – קֹרַח (Numbers 16:1−18:32)

וַיֹּ֘אמֶר֮ מֹשֶׁה֒ בְּזֹאת֙ תֵּֽדְע֔וּן כִּֽי־יְהֹוָ֣ה שְׁלָחַ֔נִי לַעֲשׂ֕וֹת אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הַֽמַּעֲשִׂ֖ים הָאֵ֑לֶּה כִּי־לֹ֖א מִלִּבִּֽי׃

Then Moses said, “By this you shall know that Adonai has sent me to do all of these things; they are not of my heart…” Numbers 16:28

When Korach started a rebellion that threatened to tear the fragile community apart, Moses set aside his ego. He acted like a true leader by prioritizing the community’s needs over his desires. At a time when there is so much division in our society, may we all strive to be like Moses, working to bring people together and mend relationships, instead of working to sew division and hatred.

וַיֹּ֘אמֶר֮ מֹשֶׁה֒ בְּזֹאת֙ תֵּֽדְע֔וּן כִּֽי־יְהֹוָ֣ה שְׁלָחַ֔נִי לַעֲשׂ֕וֹת אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הַֽמַּעֲשִׂ֖ים הָאֵ֑לֶּה כִּי־לֹ֖א מִלִּבִּֽי׃ Then Moses said, “By this you shall know that Adonai has sent me to do all of these things; they are not of my heart…” Numbers 16:28 When Korach started a rebellion that threatened to tear the fragile community apart, Moses set aside his ego. He acted like a true leader by prioritizing the community’s needs over his desires. At a time when there is so much division in our society, may we all strive to be like Moses, working to bring people together and mend relationships, instead of working to sew division and hatred. Korach – קֹרַח

Parsha Korach – קֹרַח Torah Summary:

Korach and his followers, Dathan and Abiram, lead a rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. God punishes the rebels by burying them and their families alive. Once again, God brings a plague on the people. (16:1-17:15) The chief of each tribe deposits his staff inside the Tent of Meeting. Aaron’s staff brings forth sprouts, produces blossoms, and bears almonds. (17:16-26) The Kohanim and Levites are established and assigned the responsibility of managing the donations to the Sanctuary. All of the firstborn offerings shall go to the priests and all the tithes are designated for the Levites in return for the services they perform. (18:1-32 Korach – קֹרַח

Sh’lach L’cha – שְׁלַח-לְךָ (Numbers 13:1−15:41)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Sh’lach L’cha – שְׁלַח-לְךָ (Numbers 13:1−15:41)

“We looked like grasshoppers to ourselves, and so we must have looked to them.” (Numbers 13:33).

We should always strive to become and to be what we ought to be, and what God believes us to be. Never look down on ourselves and radiate that we are grasshoppers.

Parsha Sh’lach L’cha – שְׁלַח-לְךָ Torah Summary:

Moses sends twelve spies to the Land of Israel to report on the inhabitants and the country. Despite the positive report of Joshua and Caleb, the people are frightened. (13:1–14:10) God threatens to wipe out the Children of Israel but relents when Moses intercedes on their behalf. To punish the people, God announces that all those who left Egypt would not enter the Land of Israel except for Joshua and Caleb. (14:11–45) Moses instructs the Israelites regarding setting aside challah, the observance of the Sabbath, how to treat strangers, and the laws of tzitzit. (15:1–41) Sh’lach L’cha – שְׁלַח-לְךָ “We looked like grasshoppers to ourselves, and so we must have looked to them.” (Numbers 13:33). We should always strive to become and to be what we ought to be, and what God believes us to be. Never look down on ourselves and radiate that we are grasshoppers.

B’haalot’cha – בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ (Numbers 8:1−12:16)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: B’haalot’cha – בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ (Numbers 8:1−12:16)

Two people are prophesying in the camp. Joshua wants to arrest them, but Moses says:

“May it be that all יהוה’s people were prophets, that יהוה put [the divine] spirit upon them!”

Moses believes in as many voices as possible, not one monolithic message from God. We should all find God’s voice in ourselves, and may the multiple voices of the Divine within everyone create a Divine symphony.

Parsha B’haalot’cha – בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ Torah Summary:

God speaks to Moses, describing the menorah for the Tent of Meeting. The Levites are appointed to serve as assistants under Aaron and his sons. (8:1-26) Those who are unable to celebrate Passover during Nisan are given a time in the month of Sivan to observe a “second Passover.” (9:1-14) A cloud by day and fire by night show God’s Presence over the Tabernacle. When the cloud lifts from the Tabernacle, the people leave Sinai, setting out on their journey, tribe by tribe. (9:15-10:36) The Israelites complain about the lack of meat, and Moses becomes frustrated. God tells him to appoint a council of elders. God provides the people with meat and then strikes them with a very severe plague. (11:1-34) Miriam and Aaron talk about the “Cushite woman” whom Moses has married. In addition, they complain that God speaks not only through Moses but also through them. Miriam is struck with leprosy, and Moses begs God to heal her. After her recovery, the people resume their journey. (12:1-16) “May all יהוה’s people were prophets, that יהוה put [the divine] spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29) Two people are prophesying in the camp. Joshua wants to arrest them, but Moses says: “May it be that all יהוה’s people were prophets, that יהוה put [the divine] spirit upon them!” Moses believes in as many voices as possible, not one monolithic message from God. We should all find God’s voice in ourselves, and may the multiple voices of the Divine within everyone create a Divine symphony. B’haalot’cha – בְּהַעֲלֹתְךָ

Naso – נָשֹׂא (Numbers 4:21−7:89)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Naso – נָשֹׂא (Numbers 4:21−7:89)

God tells Moses and Aaron to bless the people of Israel. This blessing is from God, it offers us physical safety and security, God’s grace on us, God’s presence in our lives, and Shalom – being whole, wellness, and peace. Who can ask for more!

May Adonai bless you and guard you;
May Adonai’s Face shine on you and be gracious to you;
May Adonai’s Face turn toward you and give you peace.

Parsha Naso – נָשֹׂא Torah Summary:

A census of the Gershonites, Merarites, and Koathites between the ages of thirty and fifty is conducted and their duties in the Tabernacle are detailed. (4:21-49) God speaks to Moses concerning what to do with ritually unclean people, repentant individuals, and those who are suspected of adultery. (5:1-31) The obligations of a nazirite vow are explained. They include abstaining from alcohol and not cutting one’s hair. (6:1-21) God tells Moses how to teach Aaron and his sons the Priestly Blessing. (6:22-27) Moses consecrates the Sanctuary, and the tribal chieftains bring offerings. Moses then speaks with God inside the Tent of Meeting. (7:1-89) Naso – נָשֹׂא God tells Moses and Aaron to bless the people of Israel. This blessing is from God, it offers us physical safety and security, God’s grace on us, God’s presence in our lives, and Shalom – being whole, wellness, and peace. Who can ask for more! May Adonai bless you and guard you; May Adonai’s Face shine on you and be gracious to you; May Adonai’s Face turn toward you and give you peace.