From the Desk of Rabbi Marcelo Bater  June 26/27, 2009   4 Tammuz 5769

Dear Friends,

What an incredible movie (“Freedom Writers”) was screened at last Saturday night’s Havdalah Movie Night event!!!  If for any reason you couldn’t be here, try to watch this film, as you will like it.  Also, mark your calendar for our next Havdalah Movie Night scheduled for July 25^th. Be sure to bring your relatives and friends, since these events are beautiful opportunities to experience!

This Shabbat, we read Parashat Korach that centers on Korach, the character who prepared a rebellion against Moses and Aaron.

Two questions:

What was the cause of Korach’s revolt? And… Was Korach alone in the revolt?

Let’s start by answering the second question first.

Korach was not alone. Just like today, to become a leader, one needs the support of people; and Korach, in his biblical time, had 250 people supporting him and his rebellion.

As for the first question, let’s consider what the Torah says:

They (Korach and his followers) combined against Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far!  For all the community are holy, all of them, and the Lord is in their midst. Why, then, do you raise yourselves above the Lord’s congregation?”

In other words, Korach was jealous -- too jealous -- of Aaron and Moses. “Why them and not me”, perhaps he thought. But reality shows us that in order to coexist in a group of people, someone has to take on the role of “captain” and the others have “to play the game”! The captain cannot play the game alone and neither can the players. Temple Beth Israel knows that each one of you is needed in order to succeed; and you – our members and friends – likewise need the “captain”.

This coming Monday, June 29^th at 7:30pm is TBI’s Annual Congregational Meeting. We will hold elections for our 2009-2010 leadership “team” and also share in some incredible news! Members: please plan to attend!! We (you and I) need to support these wonderful people who are giving of their time and energy!
 
Shabbat Shalom!