PARASHA 038 MAIN PAGE
B'midbar/Numbers
16:1–18:32
The name of the Parshah, "Korach," refers to Korach, head of the
rebellion against Moses and Aaron, and is found in Numbers 16:1.
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, 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.
G‑d 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).
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