26 Jun Society of Jewish Science – Kabbalat Shabbat Hybrid Service 6/27/25 at 6:30pm

Society of Jewish Science

Kabbalat Shabbat Hybrid Service

Friday, 6/27/25 – 6:30PM

In person and on Zoom

Parshah Korach

Parshah Korach, found in Numbers Chapter 16, is named after the leader of a rebellion against Moses and Aaron.  Korach, a Levite, was disgruntled that he was not a leader like Moses or a Priest (Kohen) like Aaron so he incited a rebellion challenging the authority of Moses as the Prophet/Leader and Aaron as the Kohen Gadol.  The rebellion consists of Dathan, Abiram, along with 250 distinguished Hebrew men, who offer the Holy incense on the altar of the Tabernacle in order to prove their worthiness for the priesthood.  Their rebellion results in their destruction by being swallowed up by the earth opening up and being consumed by a fire.

Afterwards, a plague ensues in the camp until Aaron brings an incense offering (which halts the plague) and then his staff, representing his authority blossoms and produces almonds indicating his Divine selection as the High Priest.  The parshah concludes with G-d requesting terumah offerings from each crop of grain, wine and oil, and all firstborn sheep and cattle to be given to the priests.

• Why would we name a Torah portion after the leader of a rebellion?

• Why did Korach and the other “distinguished” men try to show their worthiness by making incense offerings?

• Why does this portion end with requesting various terumah offerings from the people in support of the Tabernacle and priesthood?

• Please join us and let’s get into it!

Join Zoom Meeting 
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87605934104?pwd=iWy0FUEZsaztYzvWgKpMLOXZR3jpaU.1

Passcode: 974030