A Rebellion by Another Name

In our politically correct world, words are very potent. The word rebellion connotes negative and unpleasant events. In fact in this weeks Torah portion we read of the negative Rebellion of Korach that ended in disaster.

 

But are all rebellions bad?

 

The great Prophet Isaiah says “this opposite that G-d has made”. Our Sages explain this to mean that everything that exists in the positive has its counter in the negative. This is in order to make our free choice take place on a fair playing ground. If there were things that only existed in the good realm, we wouldn’t struggle to choose good over its opposite. However, since everything has a counter part we now have to choose one over the other.

 

Accordingly, there must be a good type of rebellion and in fact a good type of rebellion that is the counter to Korach’s rebellion.

 

Korach’s core complaint against Moses was a complaint against leadership. Korach said to Moses, why do you assume so much authority, “is not the entire congregation holy?”.

 

G-d’s reply demonstrated through the events that followed was that indeed all of the congregation is holy but there is a need for visible leadership. When visible leadership is in place than each individual can serve as a leader in their own right.

 

Moses is needed to demonstrate and exemplify pure service of G-d. With that leadership firmly in place, Moses goes on to inspire everyone else to live life to their fullest and to be a leader in their own right in their own world.

 

So is Korach correct? Yes, but. Yes he is correct, but only when one recognizes Moses and his role first.

 

This Shabbos we will commemorate the 21^st Yurzeit of the Rebbe. The Rebbe, the Moses of our generation exemplified the qualities of a pure servant of G-d. He also was the Moses leader of our generation. This was demonstrated by his belief in every Jew and in fact every human he encountered, encouraging each to be a leader in their world and make the world around them a Goodly and Godly place.

 

A few examples:
African American Woman
Jonathan Sacks

 

As we approach this special and auspicious day on the Jewish calendar, we can learn from this weeks Portion and the Rebbe’s inspiration to create a rebellion of goodness and G-dliness in the world around us. The Rebbe did this through the Chabad Movement and in turn each of us can further that rebellion by joining the ranks of those who wish to make the world a better place.

 

I will be in NY this Shabbos and invite you to email me your Hebrew name and your mothers Hebrew name (email me those names in English if you don’t know the Hebrew – we can get you a Hebrew name if you’d like one – be in touch about that next week) and any particular blessing request you have. I will bring it to the Rebbe’s Ohel (resting place) on Sunday when I go to pray.

 

Happy Rebellions and Good Shabbos!