My Weekly Drash (a mini D'var Torah) - Korach
Posted by Daniel M. Kimmel on June 27, 2008 | Tags: Korach, Korach
The Israelites are out of control in Parshah Korah, but what’s interesting is how Moses and Aaron respond. It all comes to a head after Korah and his followers fail in their rebellion while the other Israelites have become enraged. “Next day the whole Israelite community railed against Moses and Aaron, saying, ‘You two have brought death upon the Lord’s people!’” (Num. 17:5) This is followed by God telling Moses to get out of the way so that He can destroy these rebellious ingrates. What do Moses and Aaron do? They fall on their faces at the Tent of Meeting and then Moses directs Aaron how to make expiation for the Israelites. Without question, Aaron does so. At a moment where they would clearly be justified in simply following God’s commands, they instead look to save the lives of the very people calling for their heads. It is a standard of leadership that few people can be said to have achieved.
|
Daniel M. KimmelJoined: October 2, 2007 Daniel M. Kimmel is a Boston area film critic, lecturer and author. He does these weekly mini-lessons for the Mishkan Tefila Brotherhood's newsletter. You are free to use them for similar purposes. Divrei Torah (117) |
