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In the collection of Jewish ethical insights known as Pirkei Avot, we find this teaching: "Every controversy that is for the sake of heaven [i.e., for holy purposes] will endure, and one that is not will not endure. What is a controversy that is for the sake of heaven? The debates between the rabbinic schools of Hillel and of Shammai. And what is a controversy that is not for the sake of heaven? The controversy among Korach and his followers."
This week's Torah portion is named for Korach, the archetype of the demagogue masquerading as a democrat. Korach accuses Moses of elevating himself over the rest of the community, and asserts "all the people are holy and God is in their midst."
A major problem with Korach's putative "we the people" oratory is that we actually have no text in the Torah where Moses elevates himself over the rest of the community. What Korach is spreading is what today we call "fake news," using "the people" to promote himself. If Korach had a Facebook page or Twitter account, one can only imagine the greater damage he might have done.
The rebellion of Korach is the archetype of a controversy that is neither holy or enduring because it begins from a deliberately false premise and then impugns the person, rather than a policy, perspective or position.
In our charged cultural climate, where fake news, "alternative facts" and social media have combined to turn public debate into vulgar and coarse self-serving rhetoric, seeking to find our way back to holy conversations becomes a sacred imperative.
One place where we strive together to keep conversations holy is in our synagogue community. Please join us for our Kabbalat Shabbat service this Friday evening at 6:30 pm, when we will be celebrating June birthdays. Following our service will be M'korstock Unplugged dinner and program.
On Shabbat morning, Carl Viniar will lead a combined Torah Study/Spice Up Your Judaism session at 10:00 am (note summer starting time begins this week).
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Richard Hirsh
If you wish to have a Mi Shebeirach said during our Shabbat services, please let us know by noon each Friday so we can give the names to the rabbis.
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THE WEEK AHEAD
Friday, June 23
6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service (All-Purpose Room)
Please join us for pre-service refreshments starting at 6:00 pm.
We celebrate June birthdays.
7:30 pm M'korstock Unplugged (Oneg Room)
Live acoustic music from special guest Rex Fowler. Dinner (BYOB) and Dessert. $10 per person;
RSVP required.
Friday, June 30
6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat Service (Chapel)
Please join us for pre-service refreshments starting at 6:00 pm.
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UPCOMING EVENTS
Please click on each event name for more information or to register for that event.
Summer Congregational Dinner & M'korstock Unplugged
Friday, July 21, immediately following our 6:30 pm Kabbalat Shabbat service
A "Chai Cantor" event.
M'kor at the Shore
Saturday, July 22, 8:00 pm (Margate, NJ)
"Chai Cantor" Events
Join us throughout the summer for various events at which you can meet and get to know Cantor Elaya Jenkins-Adelberg, who officially joins our Family of Families July 1. Watch
E!Minders,
M'korMail and our web calendar for official "Chai Cantor" events.
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For late-breaking news, please visit our website at
www.mkorshalom.org.
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Michelle Bross
Executive Director
Congregation M'kor Shalom
850 Evesham Road
Cherry Hill, NJ 08003
(856) 424-4220
(856) 424-2890 (fax)
ExecutiveDirector@mkorshalom.org
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