Parshat Korach

Since Shabbat Mom has four demanding (but always lovable) kids, she knows what G-d must be thinking as the Israelites continue on their way through the desert: Will the kvetching of these people never end?

This time Korach, a Levite, and his followers--250 chieftains--foment revolution against Moses and his brother Aaron. "'You take too much upon yourselves, for the entire congregation are all holy, and the Lord is in their midst," Korach thunders. "So why do you raise yourselves above the Lord's assembly?'" Moses responds, simply, "'G-d will make known who is His.'"

He instructs Korach and his crew to burn incense and make fire in pans and come before the Lord. Though G-d suggests destroying everyone, Moses convinces him to spare the innocent."....'If one man sins, shall you be angry with the whole congregation?'" G-d tells Moses to warn the Israelites to "get away from the tents of the wicked men...'" Wise advice, since the Lord "...opened (the earth) and swallowed them and their houses, and all the men who were with Korach...They and all they possessed descended alive into the grave." As for the flaming fire pans the sinners had brought (a version bought at Zabars is pictured here), they were "hammered out as an overlay for the altar" to serve as a reminder of the failed insurrection against G-d's chosen leaders. In response, the terrified people complain (again!) and a horrible plague strikes the camp, killing more than 14 thousand until Aaron, frantically atoning for the people's sins, is able to end the suffering. A cautionary tale, to say the least. On a much lighter note, Shabbat Mom is grateful for all the kind facebook comments that friends have made about my graduation postings this week! Yes, I am still kvelling! Shabbat Shalom!