Weekly Torah Portion

Prepared by Rabbi Stephen Texon

Dear Friends,

Once again, after a taste of what's to follow after last weeks Torah portion, we have the full episode of rebellion against Moses and his authority as a leader and messenger of G-d.  

Moses has truly been put through the ringer in past episodes of the Golden Calf, the unconfident and spiteful spies who then proceeded to attempt to conquer without G-d's blessing and Moses' warning that they would be decimated, the Lashon Hara against him by his sister Miriam and his brother Aaron. In this weeks portion Moses' cousin, Korach, from the tribe of Levi, seeks an ugly rebellion out of pure jealousy and frustration against his authority and even against that of Aaron as Kohen Gadol!  

Moses again falls to his knees in shock and depression, but soon regains his composure and strength to perform G-d's mission as the true servant of The Lord.   

Korach and his supporters of Reubenites, Dathan and Aviram and 200 men, were all literally swallowed up by the earth and silenced in their horrendous attempt to discredit Moses and Aaron.  

The lust for power and the murmurings against authority continued among the Israelites even after this severe punishment, but the "final proof" at least for a while, of Moses and Aaron being the true leaders was revealed in a very different manner.  

The rod/staff of Aaron of the tribe of Levi alone, did blossom with Almonds over all the other rods of each of the tribes that G-d commanded Moses to place in the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting). Nothing further needed to be said or demonstrated regarding who were the TRUE and legitimate leaders.   

Today in our Society free speech is a cherished right, and must never be compromised. However, respect for the Office held and of the rule of Law must remain paramount despite our disagreements, and our needs to effect change

Shabbat Shalom!