Friday, June 15, 2018

CHUCK KOLB 06/15/2018

Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Korach - the Genesis of Discord and Strife !!!

Previously posted ... 
Making a Great American Birthday !!!
http://conpats.blogspot.com/2018/06/chuck-kolb-06142018.html

Welcome to this week’s Torah portion, which is called Korach (Korah).
 This is the portion of Scripture that will be read in synagogues around the world this Saturday (Shabbat) morning.  We are certain you will be blessed as you follow along in our study of this week’s portion!


In last week’s Parasha (Torah portion), Shelach Lecha, the seeds of rebellion were sown as the Israelites threatened to replace Moses as their leader. So great was their fear of the giants in the Promised Land, and so great was their unbelief that they would be able to overcome those giants, that they wanted to forsake the promises of God and return to Egypt. In this week’s Torah study, the rebellion continues with the mutiny against Moses’ leadership by a man named Korach (קֹרַח), which means baldness, ice, hail, or frost.

You can view this Parasha on our website complete with embedded links ... 
Korach: The Genesis of Discord and Strife published in 5775

http://free.messianicbible.com/parasha/korach-genesis-discord-strife/ 
http://free.messianicbible.com/category/torah 

Parasha Reading Schedule 5778 
http://free.messianicbible.com/torah-reading-schedule 

Why Are Christians Adopting Jewish Practice of Studying the Weekly Torah Portion?
https://theisraelbible.com/christians-adopting-jewish-practice-studying-weekly-torah-portion/

Holy, Holy, Holy Is the Lord of Hosts – YHVH Sabaoth 
The name YHVH Sabaoth is used 235 times in the Bible. 
http://free.messianicbible.com/feature/holy-holy-holy-lord-hosts-yhvh-sabaoth/ 

The Prophetic Significance of the Passover Lamb 
http://free.messianicbible.com/holiday/the-prophetic-significance-of-the-passover-lamb/ 

Simchat Torah: Celebrating Yeshua – the Word That Dwells Among Us
http://free.messianicbible.com/holiday/dancing-joy-simchat-torah/ 

Celebrate Yeshua HaMashiach's birthday - The Feast of Tabernacles !!! 
http://conpats.blogspot.com/2017/10/chuck-kolb-10082017.html 

Jewish holiday calendars & Hebrew date converter 
http://www.chabad.org/calendar/view/month_cdo/jewish/Jewish-Calendar.htm - https://www.hebcal.com 
https://yiddishkeit101.wordpress.com/category/hebrew-word-of-the-day 

The Daniel Timeline 
http://www.davidjayjordan.com/Danieltimeline.html 

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Parshat Korach 
https://www.chabad.org/parshah/article_cdo/aid/2958/jewish/Korach-in-a-Nutshell.htm 
http://www.chabad.org/parshah/default.asp?tDate=6/16/2018 

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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Chaim Richman ... 

Weekly Torah Portion: Korach

Twas arrogance and jealousy, pride and a lack of faith in both Moshe and HaShem which swallowed up Korach, causing his precipitous demise. Brilliant and charismatic, he could have been a contender instead of a poster boy for the sin of self aggrandizement, which is his sole claim to fame to this very day. 

Korach (Numbers 16:1 - 18:32) Parashat Korach is read on Shabbat: Tammuz 3, 5778 / June 16, 2018

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfSg6xiWgg0 (20:20
https://www.youtube.com/user/henryporter2/videos 
Published on June 13, 2018 - The Temple Institute  
https://www.templeinstitute.org/events.htm 
http://www.templeinstitute.org/ 
Weekly Newsletter - http://is.gd/4BUvi 

Special ... Broadcasting from Jerusalem with Rabbi Chaim Richman, Yitzchak Reuven 
Temple Talk Radio: Netiv HaAvot Demolition and the Struggle for the Land of Israel 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0VNc_vZQo7g (46:11)  
Published on June 12, 2018 - The Temple Institute 
Aharon’s Blossoming Staff and Our Generation 
Parashat Korach: The meaning of Authentic Jewish Leadership 

This week's edition of Temple Talk coincides with the end of month of Sivan and this week's observance of Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, the beginning of the new month of Tammuz. Later this month, the Jewish people will be observing the Fast Day of the 17th of Tammuz which begins the annual three week period of mourning for the destruction of the Holy Temple. What relevance has the Holy Temple in the modern State of Israel? Join Yitzchak Reuven and Rabbi Chaim Richman as they explore this week's Torah portion of Korach and contemplate its messages of the constant struggle for Jewish identity in the light of current events in Israel and the world. 

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Todah Rabah - beloved Rabbi Naphtali “Tuly” Weisz ...  
https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/  https://israel365.com/ 

The Portion of Korach 
https://theisraelbible.com/reading-plan/book-numbers/portion-korach/ 
https://theisraelbible.com/weekly-torah-portion/  

The Israel Bible side-by-side English and Hebrew text along with audio being read in Hebrew.

https://theisraelbible.com/bible/genesis/chapter-1#verse-1 
https://theisraelbible.com/hebrew-alphabet-chart/ 
https://theisraelbible.com/proper-noun-directory/
https://theisraelbible.com/glossary/ 
https://theisraelbible.com/maps 

Russia Marks ‘National Day’ Celebration in Jerusalem
by Staff Writer 

The Russian Embassy in Israel marked its “National Day” celebration on June 14, and for the first time in Israel’s capital, Jerusalem. “This is a holiday for Russia, and it’s a celebratory day that was initiated and takes place in Jerusalem, and I assume that there will be many more days like this one in Jerusalem,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in his remarks held at Sergei’s Courtyard, a historic Czarist-era compound built in the late 19th century, which Israel transferred to Russian ownership more than a decade ago. 
https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/109453/russia-marks-national-day-celebration-in-jerusalem/ 

Haley Decries ‘Morally Bankrupt’ UN
by JNS.org 

The U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday overwhelmingly voted to condemn Israel for using “excessive force” against the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip in recent weeks. The resolution, “Protection of the Palestinian civilian population,” which was proposed by Algeria and Turkey, was passed with 120 “yes” votes to eight “no” votes, and 45 abstentions. A similar resolution was rejected by the U.N. Security Council earlier this month after a U.S. veto.
https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/109417/haley-decries-morally-bankrupt-un/ 

Will The Middle East Be Trump’s Next Peace Deal?
by Dr. Michael Laitman 

The Trump-Kim summit generated a renewed sense of hope along with questions about the future. Will we witness a new and peaceful North Korea? Will Trump’s deal-making skills become instrumental in promoting world peace? And specifically among Israel analysts: Will Trump be able to make a deal to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict? 
https://www.breakingisraelnews.com/109392/will-the-middle-east-be-trumps-next-peace-deal-opinion/ 

2 FREE bumper stickers - I Stand with Israel 
http://www.shilohisraelchildren.org/free-bumper-stickers/ 
Hebrew “Trump 2016” Bumper Sticker 
https://israel365.com/store/i-love-israel/hebrew-trump-2016-bumper-sticker 

Jared and Ivanka Special w Joseph, Arabella and Theodore ... 
Shana Tova u'Metuka! - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BZR6YcDFLXt/ 
Joseph and the Sycamore tree - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BaSQ1Z7lNVa/ 
Mazel Tov - Jared and Ivanka 8th Anniversary - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BasPPXSFBYP/ 
Family Trip - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bb4eb1yFrtS/ 
Theodore Peek-a-boo - 5778
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Happy Chanukah! - 5778
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bcnw9Yll2hO/ 
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Joseph's Fish at Mar-a-Lago - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdK8PpxFprP/ 
Jared's 37th Birthday - 5778 w <3 Ivanka 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BdyjoD4lk6X/
Ivanka in Pittsburgh - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BeG80HZlihT/ 
Joseph Flies Air Force One - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BewO8OVlSQH/ 
Black n White and Arabella - 5778
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bf45VDGlBfT/ 
Scientist Ivanka at Waukee APEX, IA - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BghW-Y8Fgdx/ 
Theodore Turns Two - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BgwikqalE0L/ 
Airport Diner Fun in Manchester - 5776,78
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhrz5-JlSm1/ 
Theodore Spring Planting - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bhu1hIqFCsU/
Instavid French Cuisine - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bh-q23qlKm3/  
Arabella #JCC Activities - 5778
https://www.instagram.com/p/BiKVJUHlIL2/ 
Welcome Home Instavid - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bimagj0FNLa/ 
Embassy Dedication - Lyar 29, 5778
https://www.instagram.com/p/Biw8rt7Fv79/
Theodore at WH Lunchtime - 5778
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjLI7HMFjdg/ 
Ivanka w Herschel Walker - WH Sports and Fitness Day - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjcTOJIFmGh/ 
Theodore My <3 - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjSXlG1lTuj/ 
Little Ivanka Happy Birthday Dad - 5778 
https://www.instagram.com/p/BkAQVCWl81i/ 

https://www.instagram.com/ivankatrump/ 
https://twitter.com/ivankatrump  
http://ivankatrump.com/ 

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Todah Rabah - beloved Ted Belman writing from Jerusalem, Israel for 16+ years ...  
THERE IS NO DIPLOMATIC SOLUTION 

Trump: Obama lost Crimea to Russia, time to move on with Putin
by Dave Boyer - WASH TIMES

President Trump said Friday that he’s looking to meet sometime this summer with Russian President Vladimir Putin, and that the U.S. should move beyond its objections to Moscow’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 because then-President Barack Obama failed to stop it. “It’s possible that we’ll meet, yeah,” Mr. Trump told reporters at the White House. Noting that he has proposed for the Group of Seven nations to readmit Russia, which was kicked out of the coalition over the illegal taking of Crimea from Ukraine, Mr. Trump said, “I think it’s better to have Russia in, than to have Russia out.”
https://www.israpundit.org/63635395-2/ 
https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2018/jun/15/trump-obama-lost-crimea-russia-time-move-putin/ 

COLUMN ONE: The Donald Trump negotiations academy
Trump’s playbook involves doing essentially the opposite of what American and
Israeli negotiators have been doing for the past 30 years.

by Caroline B Glick - JPOST

We didn’t learn this week whether North Korea will give up its nuclear weapons. Only time will tell. But we did learn that US President Donald Trump knows how to negotiate. All of the negotiations experts insist the opposite is true. “How could they agree to a presidential summit without first guaranteeing its end product?” they sigh, knowingly. “Trump’s showmanship is dangerous and counterproductive,” they sneer. “At the end of the day, for this to work, Trump will have to copy Barack Obama’s nuclear deal with Iran,” they insist.
https://www.israpundit.org/column-one-the-donald-trump-negotiations-academy/ 
https://www.jpost.com/Opinion/Column-One-The-Donald-Trump-Negotiations-Academy-560061 

Ted Belman, editor and publisher of Israpundit 
https://youtu.be/2_2jJpjU3zA (5:10) ILTV ISRAEL DAILY 10/9/17 http://www.iltv.tv/ 

3 ways to help Ted Belman ... 
Please send checks payable to Ted Belman, 
Hagdud Haivri #1, Jerusalem, 92344, ISRAEL 
Or go to Israel Institute for Strategic Studies 
and use your credit card and mention "Israpundit" 
Donators will get a US tax deductible receipt. 
http://www.strategic-israel.org/  
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Courtesy of Bible Gateway ... 
Free Map! Where are the Lost Tribes of Israel today?

https://www.salemoffers.com/campaign/lost-tribes-map-fall-2017-b/ 
http://jvmi.convio.net/assets/pdfs/lost-tribes-map.pdf (1 page pdf) 
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BREAKING NEWS FROM ISRAEL 
Minute by minute updates here ... 
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click continue to use PressDisplay.com 

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This is the lowest I've ever been + peek at my family photoshoot. 
My youngest daughter Noa (they say she's my mini-me, what do you think?)
and I decided to strike a pose, completely ignoring the construction site we live in.
Is that totally a metaphor for life, or what?

https://www.joyofkosher.com/2017/01/how-the-scd-diet-can-work-for-you/ 

Your light & low carb meal plan this week. 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/poached-halibut-with-smoky-olive-topping/
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/lettuce-fajita-wraps/

Our #1 most shared recipe is this low carb Jewish classic.
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/caramelized-onion-spaghetti-squash-casserole/
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/zucchini-lasagna/ 

How I lowered the carbs in my most popular recipe.
How To Make a Healthier Potato Kugel w/50% fewer calories & fat 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/cauliflower-potato-kugel/
https://youtu.be/EiSzm-xtWiE (6:03
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/no-bean-minestrone-with-zoodles/

Hubby always corrects me when I say this. He always corrects us, "You mean challah." 
He's right about that. Bread is for the body, but challah touches the soul. 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/whole-wheat-challah/
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/sara-maybergs-water-challah/

Hubby's super easy-peasy Shabbos menu.
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/4-ingredient-roasted-chicken/
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/broccoli-and-cauliflower-kugel/ 

My new favorite third meal salads for summer are... 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/mock-crab-salad-wraps/
https://www.joyofkosher.com/2018/04/6-popular-lettuce-wrap-recipes/ 

Download my FREE Modern Israeli Summer ebook with over 20 fresh & easy recipes. 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/2018/05/modern-israeli-summer-free-recipe-ebook/ 

Finally! A Healthy Meal Plan for the Whole Family: Fresh Families by Jamie 
https://freshfamilies.us/ 
https://freshfamilies.us/register/ 
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a6lQsuWGrrA (1:01

The Perfect Week for Matzo... As Seen on The Today Show
https://www.joyofkosher.com/2018/03/the-perfect-week-for-matzo-as-seen-on-the-today-show/
w vid Use matzo in 4 different ways for Passover!
https://www.today.com/video/use-matzo-in-4-different-ways-for-passover-1198725699778
https://www.today.com/food/easiest-most-delicious-matzo-ball-recipe-passover-t125845
Matzo Balls by Jamie Geller 
https://www.today.com/recipes/matzo-balls-recipe-t125837 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/best-ever-matzo-ball-soup/ 

Watch Jamie cooking Brisket with Megyn Kelly on The Today Show
by Shifra Klein 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/2018/01/jamie-gellers-brisket-101-as-seen-on-the-today-show/
https://www.today.com/video/make-3-hearty-winter-meals-with-this-delicious-classic-beef-brisket-recipe-1164913219668 
https://www.amazon.com/Jamie-Gellers-Brisket-101-LEFTOVER/dp/1976983851/ 
Just had to tell you about this deal...you can get my Brisket 101 printed book 
for only $6.08 for a limited time only on Amazon. 

Camp Zeke is cook'in with kids http://www.campzeke.org 
Free 2017 - 63 page cookbook - recipes by Alexandra Zohn, MA, HHC 
http://www.campzeke.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/2017-Camp-Zeke-Cookbook.pdf 

The Most Popular Recipe - Year 2017
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/potato-kugel-cups/ 
https://youtu.be/ApKzja2XnWE (6:39
The Most Popular Recipes 
https://www.joyofkosher.com/recipes/search?query=Most%20Popular%20Recipes 

Extra Virgin Olive Oil - EVOO Colavita recipes
https://colavitarecipes.com/recipe/white-bean-and-avocado-toast/ 
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https://colavitarecipes.com/recipe/sun-dried-tomato-hummus/ 
https://colavitarecipes.com/recipe/quinoa-oat-clusters-fruit-nuts/ 

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Korach son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites — Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth — became insolent and rose up against Moses.  Numbers 16:1–2


Shabbat Shalom - Parasha Korach - the Genesis of Discord and Strife !!!


 
Shabbat Shalom
 
Welcome to this week’s Torah portion, which is called Korach (Korah).
 
This is the portion of Scripture that will be read in synagogues around the world this Saturday(Shabbat) morning.  We are certain you will be blessed as you follow along in our study of this week’s portion!
  
Parasha Korach (Korah)
Numbers 16:1–18:32; 1 Samuel 11:14–12:22; Acts 5:1–11
 
"Korach son of Izhar, the son of Kohath, the son of Levi, and certain Reubenites — Dathan and Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth — became insolent and rose up against Moses.”  (Numbers 16:1–2)
 
In last week’s Parasha (Torah portion), Shelach Lecha, the seeds of rebellion were sown as the Israelites threatened to replace Moses as their leader. 
 
So great was their fear of the giants in the Promised Land, and so great was their unbelief that they would be able to overcome those giants, that they wanted to forsake the promises of God and return to Egypt.
 
In this week’s Torah study, the rebellion continues with the mutiny against Moses’ leadership by a man named Korach (קֹרַח), which means baldness, ice, hail, or frost.
 
A Jewish 13-year-old male
                  reads from a Torah scroll protected by an elaborately
                  decorated Torah tik.
A Jewish 13-year-old reads from a Torah scroll protected by an
elaborately decorated Torah tik.
 
The Abomination of Strife and Division
God loves peace and the Ruach HaKodesh (Holy Spirit) 
dwells in peace (shalom). 
 
God hates strife, discord, and division between brothers, calling the one who sows them an abomination:
 
“These six things the Lord hates, yes, seven are an abomination to Him: … one who sows discord among brethren.”  (Proverbs 6:16, 19)
 
To highlight this sin, the Scripture portion this week is also called the Parasha of Machloket(Strife), since Korach created division, strife, and disaster within the community through his rebellion, discontent, and dirty politics.
 
In fact, the name Korach is derived from Korcha, which means split.
 
Open Torah scroll and silver
                  yad (Torah pointer)
Open Torah scroll and silver yad (Torah pointer)

With an utter lack of humility, Korach, who was a Levite, rose up against Moses, joining forces with Datan and Aviram, who were from the tribe of Reuben, along with On, son of Pelet, and 250 respected chieftains from the Israelite community.
 
But what charge did the rebels have against Moses? 
 
They accused him of exalting himself over the community:
 
“They gathered together against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, ‘You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation is holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them.  Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?’”  (Numbers 16:3)
 
In fact, this sin that they accused Moses of was, in reality, their own sin.  Sadly, many are guilty of such self-deception and projection.
 
It is vital to realize that people often unknowingly judge others for the very sins that they themselves are committing.
 
“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things.”  (Romans 2:1)
 
Moreover, wicked people don't necessarily realize that their deeds are evil, having internally justified themselves that their way is the right way.  This in no way negates the seriousness of that sin, however.
 

Reading from the Torah scroll.
  
The Genesis of Discord and Strife  
Wisdom calls for discerning the underlying motivation of a brother creating strife before making judgments and issuing condemnations.  And this is just what Moses did.
 
Moses knew the reason for Korach’s discord — the dark desire that lurked in his heart to exalt himself and the Levitical priesthood to the position God had expressly granted to the Aaronic priesthood.
 
Since God Himself had made the priesthood and outlined the duties of the Levites, they acted in rebellion against the authority of God.
 
Moses pinpointed the problem when he said, “Hear now, you sons of Levi:  Is it a small thing to you that the God of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel, to bring you near to Himself, to do the work of the tabernacle of the LORD, and to stand before the congregation to serve them; and that He has brought you near to Himself, you and all your brethren, the sons of Levi, with you?"  (Numbers 16:810)
 
Not too long before their rebellion, God chose the Levites to be caretakers of the Holy Tabernacle — the structure and its vessels — as servants to the Aaronic priesthood.
 
While all Levites serve God, Aaron and his descendants held the special appointment of being able to approach the altar to perform sacrifices. The Kohen HaGadol (High Priest) could even enter the Holy of Holies where the Ark of the Covenant stood, a status that would certainly stir some hearts to great envy.
 
Moses pointedly asked the group, “Are you seeking the priesthood also?
 
The Word of God warns us against this sort of self-aggrandizing ambition as it brings with it great evil.
 
“For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.”  (James 3:16)
 
Envy and selfish ambition cause all kinds of trouble in our personal lives, not only at home or at work, but also in congregations and fellowships as those who are neither qualified nor anointed vie for positions God never intended them to occupy.
 
A drawing of the Kohen Gadol
                  (High Priest)
The Kohen Gadol (High Priest)
 
Death and Separation: The Consequence of Strife  
“Moses sent a summons to Dathan and Abiram, the sons of Eliab; but they said, ‘We will not come up.’”  (Numbers 16:12)
 
Korach sinned by coveting the more prestigious role of the Aaronic priesthood, rather than that of Levitical servanthood.  Unlike Datan and Aviram, he had the courage to confront Moses directly, face to face.
 
During this confrontation, Datan and Aviram seemed to remain in their tents.  They sinned by rebelling against Moses’ authority over them as God’s divinely appointed leader.  When Moses called for them, they replied, “Loh na’aleh (we won’t go up).
 
Ironically, those who refused to “go up” to negotiate peace with Moses ended up “going down” to their deaths.  The earth swallowed them up (as well as their families and Korach's family) alive.
 
“So they and all those with them went down alive into the pit; the earth closed over them, and they perished from among the assembly."  (Numbers 16:33)
 
The other 250 in the group, who were offering incense to God and, therefore, elevating themselves to the position of the Aaronic priesthood, were consumed by fire.  (Numbers 16:35)
 
The firepans on which they were offering incense were pounded into copper plating for the altar, a visible warning for the Levites to stop encroaching on the Tabernacle and assuming the responsibilities of the Aaronic priesthood.
 
It also served as a reminder to the community of Israelites that sowing strife, questioning God's leadership, and exalting themselves to positions of leadership ultimately lead to their own destruction.
 
“A worthless person, a wicked man ... he sows discord.  Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy.”  (Proverbs 6:12–15)
 
Kotel prayer
Jewish men and children pray at the
Western (Wailing) Wall in Jerusalem. 

Wisdom and Godly Company: Avoiding the Korachs of Today  
The Rabbis consider this rebellion of Korach the most perilous moment for Israel during its wilderness journey, remembering Korach as the “Torah’s professional troublemaker and the most famous rabble-rousing Jew of all time.”  (Torah with a Twist of Humor)
 
Pointing to the negative example of Korach as a “peddler of hatred,” the Rabbis caution that we should not befriend evil people (al titchaber im rashah).  Indeed, Proverbs 13:20 counsels that “a companion of fools will suffer harm.”
 
This is one of the main lessons that we may
learn from this Torah portion
 
King Solomon (Melek Shelomo), whose very name comes from the Hebrew word for peace (shalom), advises us to find wisdom, which prevents us from following wicked, devious people:
 
“Wisdom will save you from the ways of wicked men, from men whose words are perverse, who have left the straight paths to walk in dark ways, who delight in doing wrong and rejoice in the perverseness of evil, whose paths are crooked and who are devious in their ways.”  (Proverbs 2:12–15)
 
In fact, in this Torah reading, Moses warned the people of Israel to move away from the tents of Korach, Datan, and Aviram lest they be destroyed by God's judgment of their sin, as well:
 
“Depart, please, from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest you be swept away with all their sins.”  (Numbers 16:26)
 
Destruction of Korah, Dathan,
                  and Abiram, illustration from the 1890 Holman Bible
Destruction of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram,
illustration from the 1890 Holman Bible 
 
Paul confirms this sage advice of King Solomon and the Rabbis:  “Do not be misled.  Bad company corrupts good character.” 
(1 Corinthians 15:33
 
That is not to say that we should not minister
to those who are caught in sin.
 
Yeshua (Jesus) ate with and talked to sinners and social outcasts — tax collectors, prostitutes, adulterers, beggars, and lepers.  He loved them enough to share the Kingdom of God with them and called them to repentance and holiness. 
 
He did not, however, allow their sinful desires and behavior to influence or deter His holy purpose.  And He did not allow any outside influence to taint the holiness of His calling.
 
Likewise, we should not allow strife, jealousy, self-aggrandizement, or any other sin to taint our calling as royal children of the Most High King.
 
And rather than being jealous of the power, prestige, position, or possessions of others, let us be content with what God has given us.
 
“Godliness with contentment is great gain.”  (1 Timothy 6:6)
 
With God as our Father and Friend, we can trust Him to meet our social, physical, emotional, and spiritual needs.
 
As we'll see next, being humble and gentle are two Godly ways we can avoid strife.
 
Rolling the Torah scroll
Rolling the Torah scroll during a Shabbat
service.  (Photo by Noelle Gilles)
 
Choose Humility: A Solution to Strife  
The truth of the matter is that Moses did not exalt himself over Korach and the others; it is God who raised him up into the position of leading Israel out of Egypt.
 
It was not his own desire to be the leader of Israel; rather, he was a leader of Israel as an act of obedience to the Lord.  He was not in that position due to self-aggrandizing ambition or a desire to rule over others.
 
Even in that exalted position, Moses was called the most humble man on earth (Numbers 12:3), and we are told to humble ourselves as well.
 
Walking in humility is being willing to walk in obedience to our calling — whether God is requiring us to wash dishes or serve in a position of leadership or wash dishes while in a position of leadership.
 
It also means allowing God to exalt us in His perfect way and time — not to exalt ourselves out of jealousy or discontentment, but to be content in our status today.  (1 Peter 5:6)
 
Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar, the
                  Chief Rabbi of Jerusalem
Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar, the Chief Rabbi of
Jerusalem, with Jewish Scholar Yosef Yehudah
Joseph J Sherman at Ohr Somayach, Jerusalem.
  
Choose Gentleness: Another Solution to Strife  
In addition to contentment and humility, we are not to seek a showdown or create a power-struggle; we are to seek harmony and peace, allowing God to judge between people.
 
The Bible tells us that “a soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”  (Proverbs 15:1)
 
We must remember also that we all see through the glass of God’s mysteries dimly (1 Corinthians 13:12).  One day, though, when all truth is revealed at the Second Coming of the Messiah, it may be effortless to live in a world without strife or division while our Messiah reigns from Jerusalem.
 
May we all learn to walk in greater humility, contentment, and gentleness towards all people; and may God bring unity and peace between brothers, as it is written, “Hinei mah tov umah na’yim; shevet achim gam yachad —Behold how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell together in unity.”  (Psalm 133:1)
 
 
In these Last Days, God is moving among His people to physically and spiritually restore them.
 
Please unite your prayers with ours for the end-time salvation of the Jewish People.  You can also be part of this end-time move of God, Charles, by contributing to our work among the Jewish People.
 
"There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called."  (Ephesians 4:4)

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