From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, June 27, 28, 2025/1, 2 Tammuz 5785
Rosh Chodesh Tammuz begins on Thursday night.
The Torah continues with the rebellion of Korach, Dathan, Abiram, and On, the destruction of the rebels, and the vindication of Aaron. There are additional rules pertaining to the Levites, the priestly tithes and for the support of the Levites.
A few key concepts and values from this Torah portion are challenging authority, tithe, and miracles in the Torah, the mitzvah of Pidyon Haben, and the Levitical service at the sanctuary.
The drash is twofold this Shabbat. One, the challenges of authority in the Israelites’ past and present events. Two, the miracles that HaShem provided for the Israelites then and for Israel this past week.
The Torah is not only our guideline for life, it is our Jewish people’s history.
Korach’s uprising came immediately following the frightening and inaccurate report by the 10 of the 12 scouts. Korach exploited the people’s despair, sensing that this would be an opportune moment to start a revolt. Challenging the authority of Moses, Korach’s clear intent was to usurp Moses and gain the priesthood for himself. Woven into the battle was a second protest against Moses led by Dathan, Abriam, and On. These individuals claimed that Moses promised a land of Milk and Honey, but instead Moses was leading the people to death in the desert. Like Korach, they too were intent on starting up a revolt against Moses’ leadership. Ultimately, the rebellion of all men involved was thwarted by G-d, who caused an earthquake to drown them.
The miracles of Passover to the crossing of the Sea of Reeds, and then to arriving at Mount Sinai are miracles from the Almighty. Yes, our people had good leaders and an army that were feared throughout the ancient world. Today, Israel still has G-d watching over them. The Jewish people around the world and in Israel still have hope, still pray to G-d, and continue to strive in all their endeavors to obtain freedom and peace.
Just like the Torah portion warns us to exercise caution in national and domestic crises, today, through modern technology, most actions and events are taking place speedily. We are living in the moment of a liminal history being made and one must not jump to any conclusions until all evidence and factual information are shown in a timely fashion. In modern times, everything we wish for is usually obtained in minutes, and sometimes we have to be patient and wait a little longer.
There will always be individuals that rise up like Korach who will attempt to collapse the prevailing leadership. Today, the Jewish people know all too well that there are Antisemitic people in our communities, governments, and around the world. We pray that the chosen leaders will guide their people to stop the hatred, violence, and destruction, and obtain peace for all humanity.
May this week and the start of the new month of Tammuz continue for us to see a way forward for lasting peace in Israel and the return of all our hostages.
May many countries continue to support Israel. May we, too, stand strong together in our support of Israel.
Shabbat Shalom v’ Am Ysrael Chai,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
