The parshiot in the book of Numbers/Bamidbar reflect the deep discord that happens between humans when the heat, both literal and metaphorical, turns up. We have just entered the Hebrew month of Tammuz, named after an ancient Mesopotamian God – some say – to remind us NOT to turn towards idolatry during these distracting summer months. Tammuz is a time in which we are cautioned to maintain our center, as the long days of light can push us over the edge of our capacities.
We read Parshat Korach in the height of summer, give or take, each and every year. It is a story of political upheaval, of xenophobia, of taboo-relationships, and of point-blank slaughter. It is a disturbing text. One to be wrestled with. Certainly one that demands more than 2 minutes.
But if these 2 minutes of Torah are all you have, then I urge you to take this message away from Parshat Korach: heat & thirst cloud the mind. Keep your body and mind cool. Take care with your speech, your actions, your movements through this world and notice how they impact others, not just yourself. Even in the height of summer, cooler heads can prevail, although it takes much more work to do so.
Rabbi Callie Schulman
