Beth HaDerech; Messianic Jewish Congregation, Toronto, Canada

Parasha Overview: Korach (Videos)

Weekly Sidra: Korach (Korah) Torah Portion: Bamidbar/ Numbers 16:1-18:32 Haftorah: Shamuel Alef / I Samuel 11:14-12:22 Until the previous parsha, Shlach, the people of Israel in the desert thought they were but three days away from entering Israel, their Promised Land. However, in that previous parsha, the people of Israel sent spies ahead to spy out the land. The spies brought back an evil report about the land, and the Jewish people believed them. As a result, the people of Israel are punished by having to wander 40 years in the desert before entering the land. Korah (korach, קורח) was the name of a prominent Levite. It is also the name of the thirty-eighth reading from the Torah. It comes from the first verse of this week’s reading, which says, “Now Korah the son of Izhar... took action” (Numbers 16:1). This week’s Torah reading tells the story of how Korah led an unsuccessful rebellion against Moses and Aaron. After thwarting the insurrection, God confirms Aaron in the priesthood and provides additional legislation regarding priestly and Levitical privileges and responsibilities. It constitutes Numbers 16:1–18:32. Jews in the Diaspora generally read it in June or early July. According to Sefer ha-Chinuch, there are 5 positive and 4 negative commandments in the parshah. The haftarah for the parshah is 1 Samuel 11:14–12:22. When the parshah coincides with Shabbat Rosh Chodesh, the haftarah is Isaiah 66:1–24....