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.

Note: On the Shabbat the Torah Reading is divided into 7 sections. Each section is called an Aliya [literally: Go up] since for each Aliya, one person “goes up” to make a bracha [blessing] on the Torah Reading. Here are this week`s aliyot:

1st Aliya: Korach, along with Dattan, Aviram, and 250 men from Shevet Reuven, challenged Moshe and Aharon’s leadership. Moshe set the next day for a showdown, hoping that the rebels would reconsider their rebellion.

2nd Aliya: After attempting to convince Korach to reconsider, Moshe attempted to sway Dattan and Aviram. Moshe’s efforts were rebuffed.

3rd Aliya: The next day Hashem instructed Moshe and the nation to separate themselves from the tents of Korach, Dattan, and Aviram. Moshe proclaimed that his and Aharon’s leadership would be divinely confirmed through the way in which Korach and his followers would die. Korach, Dattan, and Aviram, along with their entire families were swallowed up by the earth, while the 250 men from Reuven were consumed by a heavenly fire.

4th Aliya: A rebellion broke out among the people, and Aharon had to intervene in order to stop the plague sent as a punishment against the people. 14,700 people perished in the plague.

5th Aliya: Aharon’s appointment as Kohain Gadol is reconfirmed through the test of the staffs. Aharon’s staff was the only staff that miraculously sprouted almonds.

6th Aliya: Aharon’s staff is placed in the Holy of Holies. The duties of the Kohanim and Leviyim are stated along with a list of the Kohain’s share in the nations produce and live stock.

7th Aliya: The Levite’s share of the nation’s produce and the gifts (maaser) given by the Laviyim to the Kohanim are stated. Additionaly, every person is obligated to give a tenth (maaser) of his earnings to charity.

Maaser must be given immediately, that is, as soon as you earn your money you have an obligation to tithe from it. The Chofetz Chaim says that it is praiseworthy to give smaller sums frequently. One who gives a large lump-sum once yearly will only think about tzedakah once per year; one who gives small sums frequently will always be thinking about tzedakah This will mold his character by making him into someone who is always looking for opportunities to give tzedakah.