Shalom JTF readers,
I have become quite friendly on facebook and have been meeting interesting people (even another 'Grateful Dead Kahanist'). I post quite a bit there recently.Anyway, it is Wednesday (and I took the day off from work for a dentist appointment) and once again time to begin studying the portion of the Torah.
This week we read about the terrible uprising against Moses inspired by the jealousy and arrogance of one man who tried to rally a group against Moses, who was doing what Hashem wanted. Korach and his evil congregation were conspiring all kinds of reasons to replace Moses and Aaron his brother.
We also learn about the special incense which the Kohen bring. This incense has the power to stop a plague.
Korach incites a mutiny challenging Moses’ leadership and the granting of the kehunah (priesthood) to Aaron. He is accompanied by Moses’ inveterate foes, Dathan and Abiram. Joining them are 250 distinguished members of the community, who offer the sacrosanct ketoret (incense) to prove their worthiness for the priesthood. The earth opens up and swallows the mutineers, and a fire consumes the ketoret-offerers.
A subsequent plague is stopped by Aaron’s offering of ketoret. Aaron’s staff miraculously blossoms and brings forth almonds, to prove that his designation as high priest is divinely ordained.
G‑d commands that a terumah (“uplifting”) from each crop of grain, wine and oil, as well as all firstborn sheep and cattle, and other specified gifts, be given to the kohanim (priests).
Once again the great Rabbi Chaim Richman of the Temple Institute:
Topic: Video Study for Parsha Korach : Rebellion with a capital 'K' (Read 2517 times)