This week’s parsha begins with a “showdown at the Wilderness Corral” as a group of leaders led by Korach, Dathan, and Abriram publicly challenge Moses and Aaron’s leadership. Gathering 250 family community leaders around them, the three question why Moses and Aaron should hold all of the power when the entire community was identified as G-d’s Holy People. After a bit of fire power the earth opens up and swallows Korach and his 250 followers.
Many have written and spoken about this story – was it the fact that Korach challenged leadership or the way he did so? Did the end come about because of the public embarrassment, the harshness of his words, or his lack of faith? These are all questions to ponder, yet today I want to look at the next, and often ignored, part of the story.
After Korach and his family are gone, the rest of the community becomes fearful of what might happen next. Not totally understanding what happened, they cry out, blaming Moses and Aaron. G-d’s anger at the community’s inability to understand, accept and have faith in leadership leads to an immediate plague cast among the people. G-d orders Aaron and Moses to stand back so that they will not be killed.
Yet, Moses and Aaron put the lives of the people in front of their own. Moses immediately springs into action, shouting at Aaron to bring sacred fire from the altar, carry it into the midst of the plague-ridden congregation and make atonement for their actions. Aaron does so and the plague is immediately halted, but not before 14,700 additional members of the community had died.
Given the many natural and man-designed disasters in recent years, it is all too easy to conjure up an image of the devastation. Aaron, fire-holder in hand standing among the dead and the silent, stunned living. It is thankfully, equally easy to bring up images of the “Aarons” in our midst – the individuals who have been willing to risk life and limb to save others.
While the image this story brings to mind is that of the risk-taker facing a physical disaster, the same need to step into the midst applies whenever we witness an injustice. While speaking an unpopular opinion at a board meeting may not be risking life and limb, it is risking reputation. the many courageous men and women who have sen illegal and often unsafe practices and become “whistle-blowers” have indirectly saved countless lives with their own friends and livelihood often the cost. Rabbi David Saperstein once said that we are “nudniks for justice” and he was not wrong. We must do our best to leave this world a bit better for all.
Fred Rogers reminds us that young children should be reminded to “look for the helpers” when frightened by disaster; “there is always someone trying to help.”
These helpers are among the many who act as G-d’s partners in this world. The question we each much consider is how we can be among them. Each time more of us step in and/or speak out instead of turning away, the more we show the world can be the caring community we strive for.
Prior to her position with the Grinspoon Foundation, Iris served as a synagogue educator in Syracuse NY, the Central New York PJ Library Program Coordinator and as a national consultant for PJ Library.
Iris holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, a master’s degree in Special Education and Reading, and Advanced Certification in School Leadership and Administration. Her experience as a secular educator and educational leader in congregational and community settings spans over 20 years. She is also a lay leader in Jewish organizations on the local and national levels. Iris served as the President of CAJE – the Coalition for the Advancement of Jewish Education, which was the largest member organization for Jewish educators in the country.
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