From Rabbi Mordecai Miller
June 11, 2010 |
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One undeniable feature about our TaNaCh - our Bible - is that it doesn't hesitate being critical of the Israelites (i.e. our ancestors, i.e. the Jewish people). For all I know, this feature may well be unique about our sacred text. This, in fact, may be one of the reasons that it has been so enduring. This very criticism, if viewed as something constructive, allows us an insight into human nature and, consequently, personal growth.
Say what you like about it, "jealousy" is a powerful motivating emotion. Unchecked, its effects are usually destructive. All of us have experienced jealousy, we can usually spot it right away. The problem becomes how easily do we perceive it when it is our own jealousy that is motivating us or when someone else's jealousy is being directed toward another person and not ourselves?
This week's sedra, Korach, explores the destructive effects of jealousy in the public arena and just how difficult it is to try to counter its effects.
Just consider the following:
· Korach is Moses and Aaron's first cousin. (Their fathers were brothers)
· Dathan and Abiram are from a completely different tribe, (Reuben). As ChaZaL (our Sages) point out, the reason they fall under Korach's influence is the fact that they are Korach's direct neighbors.
· Korach uses a "populist" argument to gain the people's support: "Is not the entire community holy, and is not HaShem among them; why do you (Moses and Aaron) exalt yourselves over the congregation of Hashem?" (Numbers 16:3) - Please note just how subtle this argument is in invoking the Divine name and "flattering" the general population with a half-truth on its way to undermining the authority of the leadership. It may be the first time on record; it certainly isn't the last time!
· The physical "removal" of Korach and his supporters - despite using miraculous circumstances - fails miserably to quell the general discontent that is consuming the Israelite encampment. (The ground opens up under the feet of Dathan and Abiram and their families and all of them lose their lives falling into this sinkhole. Korach and his followers are consumed with Divine fire as they attempt to bring incense as an offering.
· It is only a benign, public test that finally convinces all the Israelites that Moses and Aaron are Divinely appointed as leaders.
What prompted "cousin" Korach in the first place? Our sages come up with an interesting theory.
"Thank you" to those of you who notified me about the following simchas in our BSKI family:
Penny Alper, Jack Rosen and Golda Cohen just graduated from the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School this past Tuesday evening. In achieving this distinction, Penny, Jack and Golda have been attending weekly classes over the last two years. The mini-school and its curriculum are a great way to deepen one's knowledge of Judaism on an adult level. For more than twenty years it has been an outstanding resource in the St. Louis Jewish community.
Mazel tov and congratulations to the three of you!
Just this past June 7th, the United States Senate confirmed Audrey Goldstein Fleissig in a 90-0 vote as a U.S. District Court judge in Missouri's Eastern District. I understand this is the very first time a member of the Jewish faith has achieved the position in this district. Judge Fleissig was a former United States Attorney. In 2001 she was appointed as federal magistrate judge for the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. She was nominated on January 20, 2010 to the position by President Obama, to replace Judge E. Richard Webber, who took senior status on June 30, 2009. Our best wishes and congratulations to Audrey, her husband Bruce and their family on this wonderful accomplishment.
I invite all of you to keep me posted.
Peace and blessings to you as we welcome this Shabbat!
Shabbat Shalom,