2014-2015 CYCLE
P194 Parash 38 Korach B’Midbar/ Numbers 16:1-18:32
Korach incites a mutiny challenging Moses’ leadership and
the granting of the kehunah (priesthood) to Aaron. He is accompanied by Moses’
inveterate foes, Dathan and Abiram. Joining them are 250 distinguished members
of the community, who offer the sacrosanct ketoret (incense) to prove their
worthiness for the priesthood. The earth opens up and swallows the mutineers to
Sh’ol, and a fire consumes the ketoret-offerers.
A
subsequent plague is stopped by Aaron’s offering of ketoret. Aaron’s staff
miraculously blossoms and brings forth almonds, to prove that his designation
as high priest is divinely ordained.
God commands that a terumah (“uplifting”) from each crop of grain, wine and oil,
as well as all firstborn sheep and cattle, and other specified gifts, be given
to the kohanim (priests). |