Korach Preview from Rick Hornung

Dear Scrollers:

 

This week, the rabbis have given us a special treat, Num. 16:1 - 18:32, a portion named after a rebel, Korah, who openly challenges Moses' authority and the priestly lineage. In addition to Korah taking disenchanted Levites and Reubenites, we are told told of Dathan and Abiram's disobedience and refusal to heed Moses' call.

 

Last week, we were told that our generation will not make into the promised land; this week, there is an organized and brazen effort to wrest leadership from Moses and Aaron.

 

Inside the camp -- within the assembly, some of us are plotting. Many of us believe we know better than than those chosen to lead the chosen.

 

As a tale of political maneuver and leadership battles,  this portion gives us a chance to read of and reflect on the differences between dissent and arrogance, honest criticism and self-serving, partisan tactics. As a tale of accountability and integrity, this portion gives us a chance to consider the differences between ambition and aspiration.

 

In the previous portion, the majority and minority reports proffered by the spies illustrate that our assembly was created and guided by principles that allow for the necessity, and therefore the holiness, of internal conflict. In Exodus and Leviticus, the advice of Jethro, the establishment of a judiciary, the setting aside of lands and gleanings to re-distribute income are all indications that the divinely-given plan for our survival includes the inevitability of and health in maintaining forums for debate and argument. And, of course, our traditions of midrash, talmud and commentary are based on genres of disputation, poste and riposte. Last week, it is Moses who  embodies these virtues by persuading the divine to temper anger. (The importance of facing conflict as it arises within the community may be seen as a cautionary example of how important it is to recognize and face the emotional conflicts, fears and anxiety that arise within ourselves.)

 

This week, we are a people of diminished, if not destroyed, aspiration. Our decision to back the majority report of the spies prompts the consequence of dying before the next generation cross over the River Jordan and enter the promised land. Though we may take some comfort in knowing that our children will have a life in the land of milk and honey, we are faced with the challenge of finding solace -- and purpose -- in our wanderings in a wilderness.

 

Out of this shattered possibility, Korah makes his move. When we need to regroup, he charges forward -- and, once again, the consequences are dire.

 

Good shabbes,

 

Rick