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Korach incites a mutiny
challenging Moses' leadership and the granting of the
kehunah ("priesthood") to Aaron, accompanied by Moses'
erstwhile foes, Dathan and Aviram. 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. |
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G-d commands that a terumah ("uplifting") from each
crop of grain, wine and oil, all firstborn sheep and
cattle, and other specified gifts be given to the
Kohanim.
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This image of Jewish
leadership was
particularly
represented by the
Lubavitcher Rebbe,
whose Yahrzeit is on
the coming Tuesday
(3 Tammuz). The
Rebbe's teachings
show how the Torah
relates to every
aspect of life,
giving access to
every man, woman and
child. He gave an
example of concern
for the spiritual
and also the
material wellbeing
of every human being
- a concern
expressed by his
thousands of
emissaries round the
globe. |
