My Weekly Drash (a mini D'var Torah) - Korach

daniel.kimmel@rcn.com's picture

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.

I'm a film critic in Boston (Worcester Telegram and Gazette, Variety, Jewish Advocate), lecturer (Suffolk University, private groups) and MC for the New England Region of the Federation of Jewish Men's Clubs. My one paragraph drashes are for my brotherhood newsletter. You may use them for your own.