Religious Committee

My Dear Congregational Family,

I hope you are well and staying cool during these hot summer days.

This week we read Parashat Korach, one of the most dramatic portions in the Torah. Korach challenges the leadership of Moses and Aaron, accusing them of placing themselves above the community. At first glance, his words sound reasonable, even noble. After all, he says, "All the community is holy."

The Torah, however, invites us to look beneath the surface.

Have you ever listened to someone speak and thought, "Everything they are saying sounds right, but something doesn't feel right?" Have you ever heard a speech that was eloquent and persuasive, yet sensed that it was driven more by ego than by a sincere desire to help others?

The rabbis teach that Korach's greatest mistake was not necessarily what he said, but why he said it. His words may have contained truth, but his intentions were rooted in envy, ambition, and the desire for power.

It is a lesson that remains surprisingly relevant. In our families, workplaces, communities, and even within ourselves, we are often challenged to examine not only our words and actions, but also the spirit behind them. Are we seeking understanding, or simply trying to win? Are we serving a greater purpose, or are we serving our own ego?

What has always moved me about this portion is Moses' response. Rather than defending himself or attacking Korach, he falls upon his face. Moses reminds us that true leadership is not about status. It is about service, humility, and a willingness to place the needs of the community above our own.

As I read about Korach this week, I cannot help but think about our own congregation. We are not a large synagogue. We are a small gathering of Jews who come together week after week to pray, learn, sing, laugh, and support one another. Yet what we may lack in numbers, we more than make up for in heart.

Our strength comes from the contributions of each and every person who walks through our doors. One of the things I treasure most about our community is that there is very little interest in power, popularity, or position. Instead, there is a genuine desire to help create something meaningful together.

Our dedicated Executive Director, Becky Cohen, welcomes ideas and suggestions. Our devoted President, Josephine Casillas, listens with an open mind and an open heart. As your Rabbi, I am always eager to hear your thoughts, your concerns, and your dreams for our congregation. Our Ba'al Koreh, Marc Lamb, approaches Torah with knowledge, intention, and a love of teaching. Together, we continue to shape a community that is welcoming, joyful, and deeply rooted in Jewish tradition. Our Steering Committee spends countless hours discussing ideas, solving problems, and dreaming about the future of our congregation.

In many ways, they embody the opposite of Korach's rebellion. They remind us that the healthiest communities are not built by people seeking recognition, but by people willing to contribute their gifts for the good of the whole.

Judaism has always understood this truth. The Mishkan in the wilderness was not built by one leader alone. It was built through the talents, generosity, and dedication of an entire community. The same is true today. Every smile at the door, every voice raised in song, every tray of food brought to an oneg, every helping hand, and every act of kindness becomes part of the sacred work of building a Jewish community.

Most of all, may we never take for granted the gift of belonging to a Jewish community where every voice matters and every heart is valued. In a portion that reminds us of the dangers of division, this is the example that I believe God wants us to follow. We can be very proud of the sacred work that we do together.

With warmth and blessings,

Rabbi Rachelle Nelson
Kehillah on the Beach of Cuban Hebrew Congregation