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Korach (2025)

Shabbat Parshat Korach

Dvar Torah
The rebellion of Korach against Moshe’s leadership is reflected in the Mishna in Avot (5:17) as the prototypical negative dispute antithetical to ways of the Torah. Korach’s dispute was born out of personal interests - though part of the Levite elite, Korach was angry at being excluded from the Kehuna (priesthood). Contrarily though, he propelled himself forward with a populist egalitarian agenda, that all were equal and Moshe had no right to lead the nation. The cynical rabblerousing of others for personal gain is part of what relegates Korach’s rebellion to oblivion.
On the other hand, the Mishna cites another class of disputes which are celebrated – the disputes between the sages Hillel and Shamai which are made in heaven’s name and are lauded as being “upheld” – that the dispute should remain in place. Jewish tradition places great value on believing in what is right and acting upon it, provided that one’s intentions are pure and sincere. Throughout the generations, Hillel and Shamai, Abaye and Rava, the Mechaber and the Rama and countless others have shown us the value of Machloket (dispute) born out of belief, respect, and striving for the truth.

Please note that today (Friday) is Rosh Chodesh Sivan. May this new month bring with it much joy, health, and good tidings!

Shabbat Times (in/out)
Yerushalayim 19:13/20:31
Rishon L’Ziyon 19:28/20:34
Rome 20:16/21:24
Paris 21:40/23:04
New York 20:13/21:22
Dallas 20:21/21:23

Shabbat Shalom! 

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