B”H

Korach-From The Heart

NY City Candle lighting 8:11
Shabbat ends 9:20
For candle lighting times anywhere in the world you can go to my website
http://www.chabadgn.com/calendar/candlelighting_cdo/aid/6226/jewish/Candle-Light\
ing
and adjust the location

Shalom and Bracha!

This Shabbat we read the portion of Korach. From two narratives in the portion
we can learn a valuable lesson both in dealing with each other and in the
service of Hashem. The portion begins with the rebellion of Korach. Korach was a
cousin of Moshe Rabbeinu and was jealous of Aharon’s being the Kohen Gadol, the
high priest. He succeeded in gathering a large group to rebel against Aharon and
Moshe. Hashem commanded that they all offer incense the following day and He
would reveal His chosen one. Two hundred and fifty people offered incense and
were consumed by a fire from Heaven. The earth swallowed the leaders of the
rebellion, their families and all of their possessions. The incense burners were
used to made a copper coating for the altar and serve as a permanent reminder of
the rebellion.

Later in the portion, Hashem commanded that Moshe take a one stick from each
of the tribes and that he write the names of the tribes on their sticks. On the
stick of the tribe of Levi, Moshe wrote “Aharon.” He took all of the sticks and
left them in front of the Ark. The following day, Aharon’s stick had grown
flowers, buds and almonds. Hashem said that the stick would serve as a constant
reminder of the position of the Kohanim so that the Jewish people would stop
complaining.

Seemingly, a fire coming from Heaven and consuming people and the earth
splitting and swallowing people are much more dramatic miracles and better proof
of Hashem’s choice in Aharon than the miracle of the stick. Why then is the
miracle of the stick the eternal proof?

The reason is because of the timing. Korach was punished to quell a rebellion.
Hashem desired to fortify Moshe’s authority as the leader of the Jewish people.
Even if Hashem wasn’t so thrilled with Aharon, we could interpret His actions
purely as support for Moshe or displeasure with Korach. After the rebellion and
its aftermath were over, when Hashem reaffirmed His choice in Aharon, it was
clear that He meant it.

This is a great lesson in dealing with people. It is important to encourage
people when they are down or embattled. That is our duty. However, when we
encourage and recognize people when everything is fine, then they know that the
support is coming from the heart. A small gesture goes a very long way.

The same applies to our relationship with G-d. We turn to Hashem when things
are tough. This is imperative, and demonstrates our faith that He and only He is
the ultimate source of help and salvation. It is also important that we turn to
Him when things are good, thanking Him for our blessings and seeking His
guidance. Further, when we fulfill a Mitzvah to the minimal extent, we are doing
our duty. When we fulfill it the in the best manner, particularly on a mundane
day, we are showing our love.

The word Korach means ice. As we enter the warm months, it is a sign we must
serve Hashem with warmth and fervor and be active in Ahavat Yisrael with warmth
and fervor. The word Korach also means split. Korach was the epitome of jealousy
and strife, the causes of the destruction of the Temple. Let us increase in
unity, humility and respect we will merit the immediate redemption.

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Biggs

Dedicated in memory of Shoshana Bat Simcha Fallack Zichronah Livracha. May her
soul be bound in the bond of Eternal Life with Hashem.

A project of Chabad of Great Neck
400 East Shore Rd. Great Neck NY 11024
516 4874554 fax 516 4874807

The Talmud teaches that increasing Torah study brings Hashem's protection to the
Jewish people and particularly to the people of Israel. In light of the current
situation, I am seeking to multiply the number of people studying Torah. If you
know of anyone who might enjoy Torah e mail, please send me their addresses.

If you want to be removed from the list please respond unsubscribe