Shabbat Shalom
Whilst learning about this week’s Parasha I have been thinking about:
What makes a “good” argument?
- Is it having the last word?
- Is it choosing the right time to have the argument?
- Or is it listening to the women’s voice?
All these themes can be found in this weeks’ Parasha ‘Korach’ in which we read about a rebellion.
We can also learn lessons about leadership and influence.
Korach and his allies Datan and Aviram were jealous of Moses and Aaron. Although Korach was a cousin, and from the tribe of Levi, who had special privileges and jobs, he was not content, and wanted more power and influence. He persuaded 250 leaders to join his campaign against them.
He challenged them –
RAV LACHEM ! he said –
“You have taken too much for yourselves
‘You have gone too far, for all the community are holy’
Korach wanted the priestly duties shared more fairly amongst his followers, the Rubenites, the first born, and the Levites. Yet, while on the surface he promised to make things more equal, he really only wanted the role for himself.
Korach and his followers didn’t just want “Change”. They wanted a Revolution.
We learn Moses was a humble, selfless man and only became a leader because Hashem had chosen him.
Moses was so shocked and distraught at Korach’s confrontation that VAYIPOL AL PANAV – “He fell upon his face”.
Leading the Children of Israel was a mega-stressful job. This was the 4th time he’d had a revolt on his hands since leaving Egypt. (Not enough food & water in the desert, the Golden Calf, The Spies and now this.)
He tried to dissuade Datan and Aviram from the path of confrontation but with no luck.
Exasperated, he told the people that Hashem would decide the outcome in the morning.
But Moses and Aaron had a special adviser – Hashem spoke to them directly.
As a result of all this conflict and rebellion, Hashem caused the ground to swallow up Korach, his household and all their possessions. The 250 followers of Korach were consumed by a firestorm.
There is some light in all this darkness, later in Parasha PINCHAS we hear that the children of Korach were spared. The midrash explains that as the ground opened up, they grabbed the ledges in the void and climbed out.
The descendants of Korach’s children became writers of Psalms, great musical masters, guardians of the Temple and included Samuel, one of the greatest prophets and leaders of the Jewish People.
They expressed a spirit of gratitude and humility to Hashem. Perhaps it is the next generation who will find a way for peace and renewal. Also, the path of righteousness is always open to us, like the descendants of Korach.
I think we can see Moses as a Leader and Korach as an Influencer.
A good leader like Moses can be someone who shows humility and kindness, consults widely and makes decisions carefully. They may not be the most powerful speakers, but they take responsibility for solving problems and make a positive impact with thoughtful words and actions.
Korach influenced and persuaded people with his promises, but not for the good of the community. His voice was loud but that did not mean he was right. He made out he was a team player, but his ego and jealousy cost him everything.
Korach’s story is a reminder to think about our true intentions, to be aware of the people around us and how important it is to treat each other with respect. We must appreciate what we have, seek the truth and not undermine each other. Our motives should be to serve Hashem and work for the greater good of society.
Pirkei Avot compares the dispute of Korach and Moses with that of Bet Hillel and Bet Shammai. As Rabbi Sacks (zichrona livracha) explains in “an argument for the sake of Heaven both sides win: one because his views are accepted, the other because he has learned something new”.
But there’s an influencer who has a positive effect on events, the wife of On Ben Pelet. She is not named but the Rabbis call her ‘the wise woman’.
The midrash describes how she reasoned with her husband not to join the rebellion and discouraged him ‘you won’t be any better off’. On the night of the Rebellion she served him good food and drink and ensured he wasn’t disturbed by sitting outside the tent.
Because of her intervention On was saved, she was thinking one step ahead and rescued her home and family. Her practical actions, calm and thoughtful words show us her strength of character and the value of the woman’s point of view.
As the Rabbis say in Proverbs “The wisest of women builds her house”.
As I continue my journey as a Jewish woman, I will speak out, be objective and adopt a calm approach to the stresses of the modern world.
Another part of the Parasha describes how order is restored. To remember the rebellion, the copper fire pans of Korach’s followers are turned into a covering for the altar. Aaron’s blossoming staff is a sign that he will continue as The High Priest.
It’s a new start – a reset.
Setting course on my journey as a Jewish woman has been an important part of my Batmitzvah year.
Having started secondary school, I chose to see beyond my concerns and stepped outside my comfort zone. I have made new friends, expanded my reading choices and started girls drumming ensemble. Listening and patience have been the most important skills, particularly when learning drums. My parents have showed great patience with the noise levels at home! I’ve also learnt that the loudest person in the room is not always the person to take notice of.
Change can sometimes be overwhelming. But when you embrace change from an honest place you can grow in leaps and bounds.
I hope to continue challenging myself, learning how to lead and influence positively, in my school, family and as part of the Woodside Park community.
Thinking back to leadership and influencers, I think the world needs more leaders who can keep the spark of Hillel and Shammai within us. Helping us to respect each other, to grow and make the world a better place.
Since the traumatic events of October 7th, we continue to pray for the return of the hostages, comfort for all the families and a long-lasting Peace.
I think of my grandparents, Sam Barsam (zichrono livracha) and Malcolm Freedland (zichrono livracha), both of whom were deeply connected and loved Israel. They would have been outraged by world events. But I know they would have been proud to see me on my Batmitzvah today. I draw inspiration from them and dedicate this D’var Torah to their memory.
Thank you to Rabbi Hackenbroch, Rabbi Yitzi, and Rebbetzins Gila and Shira for their leadership and support of the Bar and Batmizvah programme. Thank you to Yvette Jaffe for my inspiring lessons. Thank you to my parents helping me step outside of my comfort zone and becoming Bat mitzvah.
The events of Parasha Korach are tragic but there are positive lessons we can reflect on:
- The qualities that make a good leader
- The importance of listening to the woman’s voice,
- That the best arguments are searching for the truth and showing respect for each other
Shabbat Shalom!