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Rabbi Linda's Weekly Message |
June 27, 2025 |
Dear Friends,
We are living in a moment when populist leadership is in vogue. This trend is nothing new. Different styles of leadership come and go; our tradition alerts us to the dangers of certain types of leadership. Even Moses is not immune from overstepping his authority.
In this week’s Torah portion (Numbers 16:1-18:32), we have the story of a full-blown uprising against the leadership of Moses by Korach, his relative, also from the tribe of Levi. Korach accuses Moses with the following words: “You have gone too far! For all the community are holy, all of them, and the Divine is in their midst. Why then do you raise yourselves above God’s congregation?” (Numbers16:3) It is the message of the populist who wants power for its own sake, even as he pays lip service to the people with his words. He implies that Moses and Aaron are corrupt, and Moses is guilty of nepotism. Korach has appointed himself the champion of the people and presents himself as an inclusive leader when what he is really an autocrat in waiting.
Mitzvah of the Week
In looking over my past divrei Torah on this week’s Torah portion, Emor, I quote the same passage over and over again, noting that we read almost the identical passage last week.
“When you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap all the way to the edges of your field, or gather the gleanings of your harvest; you shall leave them for the poor and the stranger: I, the Eternal One, am your God (Leviticus 23:22).”
I invite you to imagine a planted field, filled with products of the farmer’s labor; yet the corners are not harvested. Those in need are not to be made feel lesser; they too have to labor to harvest. When we examine this type of giving, we discover that those being aided are able to maintain a sense of agency.
In this time with so many in need, may we remember the dignity of those whom we are aiding. When we are enjoined to do the same thing two weeks in a row, the importance of this action is emphasized.
| Oseh shalom bimromav, hu ya'aseh shalom aleinu ve'al kol Israel, ve'imru, Amen. |
| May the One who makes peace in the heavens, make peace for us all and all the people of Israel. |
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