Rabbi Weill's Blog

Dear Friends,

Moses falls on his face, once again, in this week’s Torah portion, Korach. Aaron does as well. Why? Because these leaders’ are experiencing – once again – a serious challenge to their leadership. But it’s not really their leadership that’s being challenged; it’s God’s leadership, for Moses and Aaron are indeed Gods appointed leaders of the people.

Incredibly, Moses raises himself up, collects himself, and thwarts God’s vengeful desire to wipe out the nation, because “kol Yisrael” – all of Israel – seemed persuaded by the Korach rebellion.

Moses’s ability to both stand up to God and stand up for Israel is the mark of his greatness. He understood his role: he was God’s agent to the people, and he was the people’s representative to God.

May we all exercise such wisdom and patience and perspective in our relationships with others. May we understand as well that our first reaction to disappointment – falling on our faces, perhaps? – ought not be our final response.

I hope to see you in the sanctuary very soon!

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Jeffrey Weill