WRJ Voices: Korach

In this week’s parashah, Korach, we find a community of 250 leaders joining Korach to question and confront Moses and Aaron on their leadership and place of authority in the community.  Up until now, God has guided Moses to lead the people of Israel and given Aaron rights to perform ritual offerings to God.  Korach and his followers are now questioning this decision on leadership and debating God’s selection, therefore, questioning God’s decision making.  They stage a rebellion to take over the leadership of Aaron and Moses. In two separate instances God demonstrates that the leadership of Moses and Aaron is indeed divinely commanded. Nevertheless, challenges are made to debate this and the earth opens up and swallows Dathan, Abiram, Korach, and their households.  The 250 leaders who had joined with the rebellion perish in fire and those remaining Israelites who aligned themselves with them die in a plague.

The important aspect is what motivates Korach, Dathan and Abiram and the rest of the 250 leaders to challenge the leadership of Moses and Aaron.  According to The Torah: A Women’s Commentary, Dathan, Abiram, and the 250 were defiant stemming from self-serving ideals. They are led by Moses out of the wilderness then doubt the current leadership. Korach wants to seize the leadership role for personal reasons and does not respect or understands God’s choice of Moses being the spiritual leader to lead the Israelites.

There are examples of power struggles and battles for authority throughout the Torah and this parashah is no exemption. As Jews, we are encouraged to question the status quo, challenge the political process, and debate ideas and issues. Our current leaders and politicians are expected to serve from a selflessness position and to represent their constituents while setting aside their personal agendas. Our temple boards are asked to lead from a higher, sacred purpose. Their decisions are meant for the good of the community and not for individual gain.

This parashah encourages us to continue the debate and discuss our governments without rebellion but through proper channels. We should become involved in the leadership of our temples and community and remain active in the ongoing dialog. As Jews, we have voices but it’s how we use these voices that result in constructive and productive outcomes.

Shari Carruthers is a member of Peninsula Temple Sholom Sisterhood in Burlingame, CA and a WRJ Board Member. She has served on the Temple Board and the Board of Sholom Women in all capacities, including President, Treasurer, VP of Membership, VP of Ways and Means, Executive VP, Committee Co-Chair for the Donor, Women’s Retreat, Members Appreciation Event and the Annual Chai Tea. She remains active working on membership recruiting, leadership development, identifying future leaders and chairing the Chai Tea.