Korach - Read The Entire Story

Korach -  Read The Entire Story

             



In this week’s Torah Portion, we see the rebellion of Korach against Moses (and Aaron).  Korach is joined by members from the Tribe of Reuven, 250 or so Princes of the congregation and some fairly important people thereof.  They all rebelled against Moses and Aaron and felt, “It is enough for you (Moses) because of the congregation is holy, and G-D is in their midst!’  and why then do YOU lift yourself over the congregation of G-D?”    The blame towards Moses was that of stopping the people from full fulfillment of and for themselves.  The Tribe of Reuven showed their feelings of aggravation,disdain, and just maybe, a 'miscomprehension'.  Questioning authority, question hierarchy, questioning that of the Moses, the messenger.   Absolutely okay to question, but in what manner?  Sounds awfully familiar. 



Reuven, being the eldest child, the 1st born should have been born with some entitlement(s) such as, but not limited to:

·       Double portions

o   portion went to Joseph

·       Religious leadership

o   Levi stepped up here

·       Political position

o   Judah was granted the task at hand



Reuven was not the only person to feel ‘unjustly’ slighted; the people felt deprived, and that was by their own doings and actions. Not that Reuven did not want, but he did NOT really make the effort and try!  In other words, he failed to assume responsibility.   He might have attempted, but never to fruition or in the most correct manner – only tarnishing and hurting himself.  His very own family suffered the same faults and did indeed blame others – This is how Moses received and became the center of their issues and hatred formulated.



Envy played a major part of this hatred; Korach, the wealthiest person in Israel disliked the position of Aaron and Moses.  Korach and some of the tribe felt they should be part of the Kohanim/High Ranking Clergy, and NOT a member of the Levi sector, and that included his/their disdain towards Aaron.  They felt by bringing down Moses and Aaron, would be the best manner to achieve their goal, and NOT actually building themselves up instead!  Blame, excuses, and accusations become common place as they pointed to Moses and Aaron.  They never took responsibility for themselves.  Pure hatred was practiced!

This reminds me of a person, any person, that continues to blame all questionable/bad happenings directly on others, and takes zero responsibility for him/herself.  Do bad things happen and it is NOT our fault?  Of course, but we must analyze and dissect and learn to grow from them and take our own responsibility!  



Does hatred occur in today’s modern world?  Unfortunately, yes it does & unfortunately, we're living it now; we MUST absolutely learn and APPLY, as telling someone is NOT the same as application .  A combination of many facets including:

·       Pure ignorance

·       Jealousy

·       Bigotry

·       Doubt of Self

·       Etc….



With the popularity of social media,the news, and people repeating certain behaviors, it is actually on the rise, unfortunately!

It is human nature to question and challenge, but with that expressed, we as humans should do it in an educated manner and not show blatant disdain, or accuse the innocent – difficult at times with the likes of Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tik Tok, and other Social Media outlets that somehow allow us to rant, rave, accuse, blame, show hatred towards, gossip, etc. towards groups of and all people alike!



We as humans must stop, must really think AND comprehend all facets, and remember our history of persecution, our trials and tribulations and what has molded us and brought us here today (no matter what race, creed, color, origin, benevolent belief); we must practice Tikkun Olem – Healing, repairing and helping the World… one Mitzvah(Blessing/good) deed at a time!



Let us not segregate, not separate, or point fingers, and let's allow ourselves to delete the words of “hatred”, of “disdain”, of “Blame”…. – let’s look to our future, take responsibility, and not center our lives around hatred and bitter accusations, but around building UP a better and healthier future for generations to come – we must take our own responsibility now!   As we learn, we grow and hopefully comprehend even better!