Weekly Parsha

This weekly study is dedicated to the birthday of "Neri bas Tova (Thereza)" and "Avraham ben Liora (Luzia)". "Mazal Tov"! I pray your day is filled with immense joy and that you are surrounded by family and friends and may the joy present at your birth be with you today and always, Amen. "Yom Huledet Sameach!" (happy birthday). 

This weekly study is also dedicated to the "Refuah Shleima" (speedy recovery) of Rabbi Tank's uncle "Anthony Carl - Aaron Caleb ben Chana".

Prayer List

May G-d deliver us from this crisis speedily and grant a complete recovery to those who are ill, Amen!

"Shlomo Tamas ben Sarah"
"Aaron Caleb ben Chana"
"Malka Batya bas Tova"
"Shabatai (Sebastian) ben Tova"
"Adira (Heidi) bas Sarah"

Numbers 16:1 - 18:32

There are two rebellions this week. First, Korach, a Levite, was passed over for the leadership of his tribe and then challenges Moshe over the position of High Priest. No good rebellion can be "sold" as a means for personal gain, so Korach convinces 250 men of renown that they must stand up for a matter of principle -- that each and every one of them has the right to the office of High Priest (which Moshe had announced that G-d had already designated his brother, Aharon, to serve).

Fascinatingly, all 250 followers of Korach accept Moshe's challenge to bring an offering of incense to see who G-d will choose to fill the one position. This meant that every man figured he would be the one out of 250 to not only be chosen, but to survive the ordeal. Moshe announces that if the earth splits and swallows up the rebels it is a sign that he (Moshe) is acting on G-d's authority. And thus it happened!

The next day the entire Israelite community rises in a second rebellion and complains to Moshe, "You have killed G-d's people!" The Almighty brings a plague which kills 14,700 people and only stops when Aharon offers an incense offering.

To settle the question once and for all, Moshe has the head of each tribe bring a staff with his name on it. The next morning only Aharon's staff had blossomed and brought forth almonds. The people were shown this sign. Aharon's staff was placed in front of the curtain of the ark as testimony for all time.

* * *

When Moshe reprimands Korach for seeking the priesthood, he concludes:

"Therefore, you and your congregation who gather together are against the Almighty; and Aharon, who is he that you complain against him?" (Numbers 16:11)

What did Moshe mean when he said, "and Aharon, who is he"?

When someone verbally abuses a very distinguished personage and then disparages a common person, the common person won't take great offense. This is what Moshe was saying to Korach. Since you are really complaining against the Almighty, how can your words hurt Aharon? He will easily remain oblivious to what you say since he sees that you also have complaints against the Almighty.

Our lesson: When we come in contact with a very critical person, we need not take offense at what he says. This is the way he speaks to all people so there is no reason to take it personally. Realize that the problem is his, not yours, and you free yourself from any possible hurt feelings from what he says.

Jumping to conclusions can be a bad exercise!

Kindness is a language the deaf can hear
and the blind can see.

One makes a living by what he gets;
he makes a life by what he gives

Shabbat Shalom!

***

Quarantine won't stop our learning

We are excited to announce the American Jewish College FREE Learning Program. Please contact Rabbi Tank WhatsApp number +1 (917) 834-4770 to let him know that you want to join the English, Spanish or Portuguese group.

COVID-19 Kids Activity List

We will be publishing a centralized directory of things to keep your children occupied with as all are currently home without school, and unable to go outside.

There are many Torah learning events, educational online events, entertainment for children, musical live streams etc.

PLEASE SEND ANY ITEMS YOU ARE AWARE OF TO HAVE THEM LISTED HERE TO INFO@BEITCHAI.COM

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COVID-19 Prayer List

If you have any Tehillim names of people who are hospitalized with COVID-19, please contact Beit Chai with those names to be added to the list.

Do NOT send us names from existing lists, and ONLY send us names you know personally. This is for COVID-19 victims ONLY. 

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