Spontaneous Support and Caring

B”H

Korach-Spontaneous Support and Caring 

For candle lighting times anywhere in the world you may go to:                     https://www.chabad.org/alendar/candlelighting_cdo/id/6226/jewish/Candle-Lighting-Times.htm   and adjust the location.  

  This Shabbat we read the portion of Korach. From two narratives in the portion we can learn a valuable lesson both in dealing with each other and in the service of Hashem. The portion begins with the rebellion of Korach. Korach was a cousin of Moshe Rabbeinu and was jealous of Aharon’s being the Kohen Gadol, the high priest. He succeeded in gathering a large group to rebel against Aharon and Moshe. Hashem commanded that they all offer incense the following day and He would reveal His chosen one. Two hundred and fifty people offered incense and were consumed by a fire from Heaven. The earth swallowed the leaders of the rebellion, their families and all of their possessions. The incense burners were used to make a copper coating for the altar and serve as a permanent reminder of the rebellion. 

  Later in the portion, Hashem commanded that Moshe take one stick from each of the tribes and that he write the names of the tribes on their sticks. On the stick of the tribe of Levi, Moshe wrote “Aharon.” He took all of the sticks and left them in front of the Ark. The following day, Aharon’s stick had grown flowers, buds and almonds. Hashem said that the stick would serve as a constant reminder of the position of the Kohanim so that the Jewish people would stop complaining. 

  Seemingly, a fire coming from Heaven and consuming people and the earth splitting and swallowing people are much more dramatic miracles and better proof of Hashem’s choice in Aharon than the miracle of the stick. Why then is the miracle of the stick the eternal proof? 

  The reason is because of the timing. Korach was punished to quell a rebellion. Hashem desired to fortify Moshe’s authority as the leader of the Jewish people. Even if Hashem wasn’t so thrilled with Aharon, we could interpret His actions purely as support for Moshe or displeasure with Korach. After the rebellion and its aftermath were over, when Hashem reaffirmed His choice in Aharon, it was clear that He meant it. 

  This is a great lesson in dealing with people. It is important to encourage people when they are down or embattled. That is our duty. However, when we encourage and recognize people when everything is fine, then they know that the support is coming from the heart. A small gesture goes a very long way. 

  The same applies to our relationship with G-d. We turn to Hashem when things are tough. This is imperative, and demonstrates our faith that He and only He is the ultimate source of help and salvation. It is also important that we turn to Him when things are good, thanking Him for our blessings and seeking His guidance. Further, when we fulfill a Mitzvah to the minimal extent, we are doing our duty. When we fulfill the Mitzvah in the best manner, particularly on a mundane day, we are showing our love. 

  The word Korach is rooted in the word - ice( Kerach). As we enter the warm months, it is a sign we must serve Hashem with warmth and fervor and be active in Ahavat Yisrael with warmth and fervor. The word Korach also means split. Korach was the epitome of jealousy and strife, the causes of the destruction of the Temple. Let us increase in unity, humility and respect through which we will merit the immediate redemption. 

  Shabbat Shalom,

  Eliyahu 

B"H

Gimmel Tammuz

Rejoicing and Reflecting

This Shabbat is also the third of Tammuz, the twenty fourth anniversary since we have last had the merit to see the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Shneerson. This celebration is more intense when it falls on Shabbat, when we rejoice and concentrate only on the positive aspects of events.

This is a day of reflection and resolution. When we reflect upon the Rebbe, we see that while being the greatest scholar in the generation, both in the revealed and hidden aspects of the Torah, he dedicates his life to caring for every Jew, even in the remotest corner of the world. The Rebbe teaches us that we must be ready to sacrifice our own spiritual gain to help another Jew, even if we have never seen them before. Furthermore, the Rebbe teaches us to look beyond the surface and see within each Jew his or her true potential.

As this time comes, we must rededicate ourselves to rekindling our own spark of Torah, and sparing no effort in rekindling the spark of Torah within our fellow Jews. This is underscored by the portion of the week, which stresses the pitfalls of strife and the converse blessings of unity.

The Rebbe has shown us how he spends countless hours receiving people and praying for their physical welfare. The Rebbe instructs that his institutions throughout the world concern themselves with both the spiritual and the physical well being of the community. The Rebbe teaches us that Ahavat Yisrael is for both the body and the soul. Therefor, this is a time we should look and see what we can do to benefit a fellow Jew in a selfless manner.

The Rebbe’s concern has spread out to the entire humankind. Wherever possible, he has used his influence to spread the Torah message of goodness and kindness to people of all nations and has sought to advance their well-being. We must emulate the Rebbe, using our contact with the world to sanctify Hashem’s name and spread the seven Noahide commandments for the betterment of the world among the nations.

With prophetic vision, the Rebbe has told us that we are on the threshold of the redemption. Any act of goodness and kindness could be the final one that will bring the world to perfection. He further stresses that at this time all good deeds should be imbued with the intent that we are bringing Moshiach closer. The Rebbe often has referred to the Third of Tammuz as the beginning of the Redemption. The times of Moshiach are compared to an extended Shabbat. This year when the two coincide is an ideal time to go the extra mile, doing an extra Mitzvah and assisting another Jew to do another Mitzvah. May this be the final conclusion of this state of concealment and may we merit the revelation of the Rebbe Shlita Melech Ha' Moshiach immediately.

It is the custom to write a letter to the Rebbe through the "Igrot Kodesh" - Letters of the Rebbe.

This forms and strengthens the bond and connection between us and the Rebbe.

This is also an opportunity to ask for the Rebbe's blessing and advise in all fields of our lives.

For support in this you may be assisted with this site: https://www.igrot.com/english/  

Good Shabbos, 

Chodesh Tov!

Moshiach NOW!

Eliyahu

p.s. You are invited to explore your Personal Kabbalistic Codes and Coaching at: https://www.kabbalisticcodes.com/

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