בס״ד ֹק רַ ח KORACH

In loving memory of Harav Yitzchak Yoel ben Shlomo Halevi

Volume 32 | #40 “It will be that the staff of the man 27 June 2020 I choose will blossom” 5 Tammuz 5780 ( 17:20) Shabbat ends: London 10:28pm Sheffield 11.01pm Edinburgh 11.30pm Birmingham 10.42pm Jerusalem 8.31pm

Please look regularly at the social media and websites of the US, Tribe and your community for ongoing updates relating to Coronavirus as well as educational programming INSIDE: and community support. You do not need to sign into Facebook to access the When we get in US Facebook page. The US Coronavirus Helpline is on the way of ourselves 020 8343 5696. by Rabbi Natan Fagleman May God bless us and the whole world. Praying for the Government by Simon Goulden

Artscroll p.820 Haftarah p.1186 Hertz p.638 Haftarah p.649 Soncino p.879 Haftarah p.893 Daf Hashavua Sidra breakdown When we get קֹרַ ח Korach in the way of 5th Sidra in: ourselves מִ ּבְ דְ ּבַ ר Bemidbar by Rabbi Natan Fagleman, Allerton Hebrew Congregation By Numbers: In the very first verse that of leader, for himself and had 95 verses of the Book of Tehillim appointed those whom he favoured 1,409 words (Psalms) – ashrei into positions of power. What had ha-ish asher lo halach irked Korach in particular was that 5,325 letters ba-atz-at reshaim, uvmoshav leitzim he personally had been overlooked lo yashav - King praises the for the position of Nasi – Prince person who does not go in the path of the . As the leader Headlines: of the wicked and does not sit in of the house of Kehat, the most the company of scoffers.’ ‘Leitzanut’ senior of the three houses of Levi, Rebellion against – jeering, mocking and ridiculing Korach assumed that he would that which has value and ought to be given the honour of leading his Moshe be respected - often ends in self- tribe. When this honour was given inflicted misery. to his younger cousin Eltzafan, Korach, the protagonist in our Korach was incensed. Rather than sidra today, led a rebellion against wishing to accept that these were Moshe and Aaron. He argued that the instructions of the Almighty he Moshe had taken the best job, turned on Moshe to accuse him of

In loving memory of Chaya bat Moshe Ben-tzion

United Synagogue Daf Hashavua Produced by US Living & Learning together with the Rabbinical Council of Sidra Summary the United Synagogue 1st Aliya (Kohen) – Bemidbar 16:1-13 Editor-in-Chief: Rabbi Baruch Davis Korach, from the tribe of Levi, conspires with Datan, Aviram and On from the Editorial and Production Team: tribe of Reuven. They gather together 250 leading and challenge Moshe Rabbi Daniel Sturgess, Rabbi Michael Laitner, and Aharon’s rights to leadership (see p.3 article). Moshe tells Korach and his Rebbetzen Nechama Davis, assembly to prepare an incense offering in a fire-pan to bring the next morning. Joanna Rose Aharon will do the same; whoever’s offering is received by God will indicate the Available also via email US website rightful leadership (see p.4 article). Moshe tries to dissuade the rebels. Datan www.theus.org.uk ©United Synagogue and Aviram refuse to speak with Moshe, accusing him of “bringing the nation out To sponsor Daf Hashavua please of the land of Egypt in order to kill them in the desert”. contact Danielle Fox on 020 8343 6261, or [email protected] Point to Consider: Why is Korach’s lineage only listed three generations back If you have any comments or questions regarding Daf Hashavua please email and not more? (see Rashi to 16:1) [email protected] nepotism and favouritism (Rashi 16:1). How did Korach manage to persuade others to join his rebellion? How did he turn his personal vendetta into a national revolt? He used the power of letzanut. He undermined the authority of Moshe with contorted questions to denigrate the ’s laws such as the mitzva of Tzitzit. The Torah requires ‘techeilet’ for Tzitzit, that in. Some people, like Korach, are one of the strings on each corner is Korach’s entire more than happy to judge and point dyed a particular form of turquoise out the negatives in others, rather blue. strategy was based than looking at themselves to see Korach, explains the Midrash, on delegitimising how they can improve. They are dressed his supporters in garments likely to thereby encourage discord that had been dyed completely blue. Moshe’s authority. and conflict in their own lives. He then asked Moshe whether such When people do good to others, a garment still needed fringes on Of course his we should praise them; when its corners! Moshe answered in questions and his people are generous, we should the affirmative. ‘It is clear’ Korach emulate them. Scoffing, through argued in reply, ‘that Moshe has logic were flawed. assuming that they are simply made all of this up and that none doing it for their own self-interest, of this ever came from God. What can be a way for us to soothe our right does Moshe have to force his comprehension. Korach, however, consciences and relieve ourselves leadership upon us? (Rashi ibid) was not interested in the truth; he of the burden of having to live up Korach’s entire strategy was desired only to garner support for to their higher standards. Korach’s based on delegitimising Moshe’s his uprising. The consequences rebellion reminds us how much authority. Of course his questions for him and his followers were better we would do if we look for and his logic were flawed. We disastrous; they were swallowed the good in others and how much accept the authority of the Torah alive! damage can be caused by selfish and believe that its absolute It is easy to be cynical and actions which only aim to serve rationale is beyond human pessimistic about the world we live oneself.

2nd Aliya (Levi) – 16:14-19 Datan and Aviram in order to prove their allegiance Datan and Aviram continue their tirade against Moshe, to Moshe. Datan and Aviram remain defiant. Moshe who is angered. He declares to God that he has received announces that if Korach and his followers die a normal no personal gain from his leadership. The next morning, death, then he, Moshe, is not God’s rightful appointee. Korach and his assembly arrive with their incense offerings Yet if the ground swallows them up miraculously, then at the entrance to the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting), as Moshe’s leadership is legitimate. As Moshe finishes does Aharon, accompanied by Moshe. speaking, the ground opens up, consuming Korach, some of his followers and all of their property. A fire then 3rd Aliya (Shlishi) – 16:20-17:8 consumes Korach’s 250 men whom he had incited to join God tells Moshe and Aharon to separate themselves from in the rebellion. Moshe commands Aharon’s son Elazar to the rest of the nation, as God will immediately destroy gather up the copper fire pans of those who died in order Korach and all those people who have been drawn after to make them into a covering for the Mizbeach (Altar). The him, including many of the Israelites (Rashi). Moshe and next day, the people complain to Moshe and Aharon plead for mercy. God relents, telling Moshe to Aharon for ‘causing’ so many deaths. instruct the nation to distance themselves from Korach, Tehillim (Psalm 126) by Rabbi Yehudah Black, Kenton United Synagogue

This psalm, which is redemption for the sung before Bircat returnees made the past HaMazon (Grace seem a distant memory. The after Meals) on exile was now like a bad festive occasions, was made even dream (chalom is a dream). more famous by Chazan Yossele Alternatively, the Targum Rosenblatt’s (d. 1933) composition. It Onkelos’s translation reads is also recited as part of the Bar’chi the verse as ‘Ke’cholim’ – we Nafshi series recited on Shabbat were like sick people who afternoons in the winter. In certain became healed from illness communities, it has been added to the through the redemption. Yom Ha’atzmaut prayers and was one “Then it will be said of the early suggestions for Israel’s among the nations: ‘The Lord national anthem. has done great things for Psalm 126 is divided into two them’.” (Verse 2-3) is completely devoid of rain. Yet sections: The effect of redemption had such during the rainy season, the gullies an impact that even the nations of the fill to overflowing. So too the future 1. Verses 1-3 are in the past tense. world exclaimed in wonderment that redemption will be accompanied by a When did God ‘bring back the exiles a nation exiled from its Land – the population rebirth like the streams in of Zion’? Most commentaries agree Jewish people - could find its way the Negev. that this refers to the return of home. “May those who sowed in tears, reap from Babylonia at the beginning of in joy.” (Verse 5) the Second Temple. Interestingly, 2. In contrast, verses 3-6 seem Here we see a connection with this return was never completed. A to be referring to a future Bircat HaMazon. The agricultural majority of the people who had been redemption: blessing of the Land is felt more if one led into exile 70 years earlier decided “Bring back our exiles, like rivulets in has put extra toil into its preparation. to stay in Babylonia. the Negev.” (Verse 4) We acknowledge God’s blessings “...we were like dreamers” (Verse 1) The uniqueness of the Negev when we see the miracle of the food The experience of a semi- desert is that most of the time it we receive on our tables.

In memory of Yisrael Shmuel ben Yirmaya Yehoshuah

4th Aliya (Revi’i) – 17:9-15 tribe’s staff miraculously blossoms is the rightful leader. In response to the complaints, God threatens to wipe The leaders do as instructed. The following morning out the people. As a fatal plague breaks out, Moshe tells Aharon’s staff has blossoms with a bud and almonds. Aharon to place incense in a fire-pan to gain atonement for the complainers. Aharon does so, managing to stop the 6th Aliya (Shishi) – 17:25-18:20 plague, but not before it kills 14,700 people. God tells Moshe to preserve Aharon’s staff as a reminder that he was chosen, lest the people rebel in the future. God 5th Aliya (Chamishi) – 17:16-24 reiterates Aharon’s duties and the need for the Levi’im to God tells Moshe to gather a staff from each tribe’s leader, assist him and the other Kohanim. The Kohanim have the with the name of the tribe written on the staff. Aharon’s privilege of eating certain parts of offerings and certain name is to be written on the staff of Levi. tithes. The laws of redeeming firstborn male children and The staffs are to be left in the Ohel Moed; whichever bringing firstborn animals as offerings are stated. Praying for the Government; it sounds familiar by Simon Goulden, Education Consultant to the United Synagogue

One of the most Lacking a central path in the strange waters, bless and distinctive features of keep, preserve and rescue, exalt and a United Synagogue government with the magnify and lift up higher and higher, community, even before authority to enforce the our Lord [add the ruler’s name]. The the first edition of the Singer’s Prayer rule of law, society would King of kings defend him in his mercy, Book, is that every Shabbat and Yomtov making him joyful, and free him from in shul, after the haftarah is read, we sink into a “war of every all dangers and distress. The King of say a specific prayer for the welfare man against every man” kings, for his goodness sake, raise of the monarch and the government up and exalt his planetary star and (green siddur, pp. 420/422). You might throughout the centuries in every multiply his days over his kingdom. The have thought that this prayer was a) country and under every government, King of kings, for his mercies sake, put a modern invention, b) as old as the even when said under duress for into his heart and into the hearts of all British Jewish community or c) an oppressive regimes. In 1930s Germany, his Counsellors, and those who attend ancient part of our ritual. Looking at for example, there was a prayer for and minister to him, that he may show the words we still use, you would be the Nazi government. Nevertheless, mercy to us and unto all the people of partially right if you answered ‘yes’ to the text which we use today is not Israel. In his days and in ours, let Judah any of these questions. quite the one which Rev Simeon be safe and Israel dwell securely, and Yet some 2,500 years ago the Singer printed in early editions of his let the Redeemer come to Israel and so prophet Jeremiah (29:7) was already eponymous prayer book. Rev Singer may it please God, Amen. exhorting the captives in Babylon: used a text which was actually far Just four years before Menasseh “Work to see that the city where I closer to one written by Manasseh Ben ben Israel wrote this prayer, sent you as exiles enjoys peace and Israel to be read for Oliver Cromwell, philosopher Thomas Hobbes prosperity. Pray to the Lord for it. For as the Lord Protector, in 1656, as the famously wrote that, lacking a central it prospers you will prosper.” Jews were readmitted to England! government with the authority to About 400 years later, the Mishna Nonetheless, you will perhaps be enforce the rule of law, society would (Avot 3:2, p. 536 in the green siddur) surprised that a few of the phrases sink into a “war of every man against goes even further when it says: “Pray he penned, some 350 years ago, are every man” in which life would be for the welfare of the government, for familiar today. This is what he wrote: “solitary, poor, nasty, brutish and if it was not for the fear of it, people He that giveth salvation unto short”. Especially when considering the would swallow one another alive”. Kings and dominion unto Lords, He lessons of Parashat Korach this week, We know that prayers for the that delivereth His servant David, we can reflect on how fortunate we are government were certainly said in from the sword of the enemy, He to live in Britain today, with its religious the Middle Ages and can be found that make a way in the sea and a freedoms enshrined in law. In memory of Yehuda ben Yaakov HaCohen

7th Aliya (Shevi’i) – 18:21-32 Haftarah The ‘first tithe’ (ma’aser rishon) taken from crops is given From the Book of Shmuel, the haftarah describes the day to the Levi’im. They need to separate a on which Shmuel appoints Shaul as the first king of Israel. portion of this tithe to give to the Kohanim. Shmuel rebukes the nation for demanding a king and emphasises that they still need to fear God and obey His commandments. The righteous Shmuel was descended from Korach (see p.4 article) and he, like Moshe, declares that he has never taken anything from the people. Sefer Yehoshua Chapter 17, the division of the Land (continued) by Rabbi Michael Laitner US Jewish Living Division and Finchley Synagogue

Chapter Overview In our chapter, the daughters came to Could Menashe change its Chapter 17 covers areas Yehoshua and Elazar HaCohen to now allocation? (Verses 14-18) allocated to the tribes of receive their inheritance. Yehoshua In verse 14, and Menashe Menashe (Menasseh) and and Elazar assigned them land, together ask for a greater allocation Ephraim, both descended from Yosef following the ruling of the Torah. than originally made for the latter, (). There are several geographical The tribe of Ephraim had land “since I [now] have a greater references, some of which link back to adjacent to that of Menashe as well population as God has blessed me episodes in the Torah about allocation of as some of its own cities in the area to a great extent.” The Talmud (Bava land. Others are familiar names today, of Menashe, as recorded initially in Batra 118a-b), in analysing the large such as Beit She’an. ch.16. These isolated cities appeared population growth of Menashe Menashe’s territory was split into to arise through a failure to drive out during the 40 years of wandering in two sections. The first was west of the idolatrous Canaanite tribes as the desert, notes that many younger the River Jordan, including areas had been stipulated by the Torah. This people, not counted originally for in Shomron () and isolated failure led to a joint petition by both these purposes, were now old enough cities in other parts of the county. The Ephraim and Menashe to increase to have their own allocation. second, smaller section was east of their allocation. Yehoshua, himself from the tribe the Jordan together with the tribes of Ephraim, could not change the of Reuven and Gad. These two latter territorial boundaries, since these tribes had requested land east of the were set by Divine command (see Jordan, to gain ample space for their the commentary of Radak, Rabbi large numbers of cattle, as recorded in David Kimche, 1160-1235). Instead, the Torah (Bemidbar ch.32). Yehoshua challenged these tribes to When Moshe granted this complete their task of taking areas request, he also gave some of this remaining under Canaanite control, area to a group from Menashe. particularly the forest controlled by Having Menashe on both sides of the the Perizi and Refaim tribes. Jordan may have been intended to Despite their strength and mili- keep strong lines of communication tary prowess, Ephraim and Menashe between east and west. Additionally, claimed that they could not defeat the family of , the firstborn the Perizi and Refaim as those tribes of Menashe, were strong warriors had iron chariots. Yehoshua rejected whose presence east of the Jordan this claim and encouraged them to would have provided extra protection. complete the conquest, as mandat- Rashi (1040-1105), on Yehoshua, 17:1, ed by the Torah. Fighting together, noted that Menashe’s area east of they would, with Divine assistance, the Jordan was in Gilad and Bashan overcome their foes. Unfortunately, which included the Golan Heights. ‘iron chariots’ were seen as a for- The Torah (Bemidbar ch.27) relates midable deterrent to the remaining the story of the daughters of Tzeloph- conquest, as recounted numerous chad, from the tribe of Menashe, and times subsequently in the next book taught about their inheritance of their of the Tanach, Sefer Shofetim (the deceased father’s portion in the Land. ). Kaddish Buddy Project www.theus.org.uk/kaddish

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