OH, FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE!

Cyber Torah 

Parashat Korach

3 Tammuz 5775 / 19-20 June 2015

Torah: Numbers 16:1 - 18:32

Haftarah: 1 Samuel 11:14 - 12:22

Dedications and Calendar of Events follow below. Full calendar and other information about our community may be found at: http://www.bethmeier.org

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OH, FOR HEAVEN’S SAKE!

“Now Korach, son of Itzhar son of Kehat son of Levi, took himself, along with Datan and Aviram sons of Eliav, and On son of Pelet – descendants of Reuven - to rise up against Moses, …” Numbers 16:1-2

“What is an example of an argument for the sake of heaven's name? The argument of Hillel and Shammai. What is an example of an argument not for the sake of heaven's name? The argument of Korach and all of his followers.” Pirkei Avot 5:17

In his collected sermons, “Ye’Arot D’vash”, Rabbi Yonatan Eibeschutz (Poland 17^th-18^th centuries) says, “Logically, the Mishnah should have said ‘Korach and Moses’. Instead, within the camp of Korach itself there were disputes, with each seeking glory for himself. That is proof that their dispute was not for the sake of Heaven.”

There are disputes that have an aspect of holiness to them, that actually matter in broad human affairs and whose outcomes have lasting effect; and there are those that are unholy and petty, that are really about self-aggrandizement and ultimately meaningless.

The arguments between Hillel and Shammai were not about the individual rabbis - who was right and who was wrong - but about the course to be followed by the Jewish people. “What is it that God and the Torah demand of us Jews?” On the other hand, R. Eibeschutz’ understanding of Avot is that, not only were Korach and his followers not interested in the future of the people, they weren’t even interested in each other. “What’s in it for me?”

Whether in religion or politics or some other area of disagreement, the more personal it is, the less it will benefit the rest of the community. Beware of any “leader” who cares only for himself and his power over others.

Shabbat Shalom! Happy Father’s Day!

Rabbi Richard A. Flom

Congregation Beth Meier - Studio City, CA

www.bethmeier.org

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Candle lighting: 7:49 pm

Friday: Shabbat Evening Service – 8:00 pm. Oneg Shabbat follows.

Saturday: Shabbat Morning Service – 10:00 am. Kiddush lunch follows. 

Sunday: Happy Father’s Day!

Tuesday: Lunch and Learn – 12:00 noon.

Sunday, June 28: Congregation Beth Meier bowling party at Pinz in Studio City. $25/person for 2 hours of bowling and shoes, trophies awarded in various categories. Limited space; call the office to reserve your space ASAP. All ages welcome!  

Sunday, July 12: English Tea Party at Beth Meier - Enjoy a three course meal, meet new people, have fun and plan other events. Limited seating, $25 per person, RSVP by July 7th!

Sunday, July 19: Rosh Chodesh Group’s Tallit Making Caravan to Little India. Contact Lynn Kronzek or Deb Sigel for details.

This d’var torah is offered in memory of Jackie Aaronson’s mother, Rochelle Miller, who passed away this week. Funeral and Shivah are in Florida. Y’hi zekherah liv’rakhah – May her memory be a blessing.

This d’var torah is offered in memory of the nine victims of baseless hatred in Charleston, South Carolina. May their memories be a blessing.

This d’var torah is offered in memory of my father, Martin Flom, who never sought power over a single human being, whose 86^th birthday anniversary is Sunday, June 21. Happy Birthday and Happy Father’s Day, Dad, wherever you are! And thank you!

This d’var torah is offered for a refuah shleimah for Avi Shmuel Yosef Hakohen ben Bella, Naomi bat Yorma, Miriam Minya bat Alisa Batya, Sarah Mindel bat Toby, Jeannie Berger, Rabbi Ben-Zion Bergman, Ken Bitticks, Elsbet Brosky, Jacob William Cohen, Jerry Daniels, Howard Ehrlich, Maya Fersht (Maya bat Esther), Dr. Samuel Fersht (Shmuel Natan ben Gittel), Leonard Foint, Annabelle Flom (Chanah Bella bat Kreina), Gig Flom (Gittel Tobi bat Blanca), Jerry Forman, Pamela Huddleston, Betsy Kleiger, Philip Kovac, Marilyn Lee, Rabbi Sheldon Pennes, and Annie Rivera.

My weekly divrei torah are also available through free e-mail subscription to the Cyber Torah list. No salesman will call!

Cyber Torah list management:

To subscribe to Cyber Torah, send an e-mail from the receiving address to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net with the heading “Subscribe Cyber Torah”.

To unsubscribe from Cyber Torah, send an e-mail from the receiving address to: ravflom@sbcglobal.net with the heading “Unsubscribe Cyber Torah”.

To dedicate a Cyber Torah in honor of a simchah, in memory of a loved one or for a refuah shleimah, send an e-mail to:  ravflom@sbcglobal.net with the heading “Dedicate Cyber Torah” and provide details in the message body.