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What Korach Takes: Shabbat Message by Rabbi Elana Rabishaw

There is an old folktale about two brothers in Israel. They were both farmers and lived on adjoining plots of land. One brother was married with many children, while the other was single and lived alone.

Each brother found himself thinking about the other as they collected their summer harvest.

The unmarried brother thought, “My brother has a family and many mouths to feed. I will share some of my sheaves with him so there will be enough for everyone.” Meanwhile, the other thought, “I am blessed to have a wife and children, while my brother, who lives alone, must be very lonely. I will bring him some of my sheaves so he knows he is not alone and we are thinking of him.”

One night, after a long day of work, each brother took a bundle of sheaves and set out to deliver it as a gift. Even under the cover of darkness, they saw each other coming, immediately knowing what the other was doing.

Each brother recognized their blessings and considered what they could give the other. Legend has it that The Holy One chose that exact plot of land for the Temple after seeing this powerful expression of love and care.

I’ve been thinking about this heartwarming story a lot this week, as it contrasts with the human behavior found in this week’s Torah portion.

Korach is an interesting character in the Torah because he is an antagonist, yet an entire portion is focused on him. He assembled a group of two hundred and fifty men and led a rebellion against Moses and Aaron.

The Parashah opens with the words, וַיִּקַּ֣ח קֹ֔רַח, and Korach took.

The text does not articulate what Korach takes, and the rabbis (like always) disagree. However, all the commentators return to Rashi, who suggests that Korach took himself and his ego. Regardless of whether he took anything physically, he let the feelings of jealousy guide his decisions as he approached Moses. His rebellion was rooted in his own self-interest and a desire for power.

While the brothers in the first story thought about what to give to each other, Korach and his followers were consumed by the leadership they felt entitled to hold over the People of Israel. The brothers recognized the blessings in their lives and sought to share them, whereas Korach coveted the leadership positions of Moses and Aaron.

From these two stories, we can be reminded of what is truly important.

The brothers’ care for the other demonstrate a deep understanding that true leadership and fulfillment come from giving rather than taking. In contrast, Korach’s rebellion was driven by a desire for personal gain and power.

Being a leader is having the ability to help lift someone up. The character of a leader is exponentially more important than the title they hold.

The folktale concludes with the brothers meeting and embracing their mutual giving, strengthening their bond. On the other hand, Parashat Korach ends with the Holy One opening the mouth of the earth and swallowing those who sought to take power for themselves.

The lesson, this Shabbat, is clear. We must remember to take the path of the brothers – focusing on the needs of others, and giving generously – leads to unity, love, and divine favor.

The first step is to learn from Korach, that success and fulfillment does not come when we only focus on our what we can take. Instead, may we live like the brothers. Where recognizing what we have can lead to offering blessing to others.

May our community and our congregation strive to be a space like the brothers’ farms, of true leadership, community, and mutual responsibility. May the Holy One continue to see that is a worthy place to dwell and build holy community.

Shabbat Shalom.

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