06/19/2026
Part of being Jewish involves being vocal about our opinions. If we are simply talking about opinions, no problem, but when one starts to complain we have to be more careful. Good complaining is that which is for the welfare of others and our communities, as opposed to arguments for the sake of our ego or some selfish need.
In this week’s Torah portion, we read about the rebellion of Korach against Moses and Aaron. Korach’s argument is inspired by his ego and is self-serving. G-d makes it clear that such a rebellion is sinful, and dramatically, Korach and his followers are swallowed up by the land. In contrast to that, our tradition is filled with arguments for the sake of heaven, like those of rabbis Hillel & Shammai.
I leave you this Shabbat with a prayer from a British siddur, based on a passage from Pirke Avot: “May none of us controversies rise up like those of Korach, from ambition and self-seeking. Let them only be for the sake of heaven, like those of Hillel and Shammai.”
#שבתשלום