Parshah Columnists

Moses was a true leader; he cared deeply for his people. So when he saw the moral failings of an entire group, he immediately looked inward.

The Hebrew word for almond is etymologically related to the word “shaked,” which means “quick.”

Can you recognize the beauty and uniqueness of the gifts you do have? You have so much going for yourself. How could you possibly be discontent?

Since the Jewish people is like one body with one soul, when we overreact and attack someone else, we are actually hurting ourselves.

Most of us would like to imagine a world with no disputes, where there are no clashing opinions getting in the way of our nation’s forward march toward its goals. However, it is humankind’s ability to develop different ideas, voice a variety of opinions, and toss them back into the world that makes this world a beautiful and diverse place.

Feelings of jealousy are normal, but if those feelings are allowed to evolve, beware!

Do you only watch the World Cup, or do you sometimes kick a ball yourself?

The books are inside; the mezuzah is outside.

Two women played a prominent role in Korach’s revolt. Their different approaches in dealing with the material reality lead to two opposite outcomes . . .

Even the most sublime strivings of the spirit must be restrained when its passion drives a wedge between ourselves and others

In Hebrew, the name Korach means “bald” and “ice”—representing the spiritual malaises of separation and apathy.

When we use one good deed as an excuse to avoid another we deny ourselves credit for the mitzvah good deed as well as the one we performed!

The human being as a part of the structure of society, and as an individual

Kvetching is the first step out of slavery and a way of ensuring that we don’t enter a soul-destroying slave mentality.

Moses was willing to sacrifice his own honor on behalf of rebels and sinners, we must, at the very least, be willing to reach out to those guilty of nothing more than ignorance.

Jewish law allows for the appointment of an emissary to fulfill certain mitzvot on our behalf. But if it is my obligation, how can you do it for me?

Korach was greedy, jealous, underhanded, a megalomaniac and a rabble-rouser intent on world domination. Wow, talk about a victim of bad press! How about Korach the seeker of spiritual enlightenment?

A lifeless staff blossoms, and a young boy astounds his listeners with a profound mystical response -- both presumably a result of being touched by holiness. What do we do when we are denied such an opportunity?

Korach had a strong point to make: If we are all G-d’s people, what makes some more G-dly than others?

"I, too, desire it!" Is Moses playing devil's advocate? Or is he baring a soul driven by a striving so exalted and G-dly that it is beyond the reach even of a Moses, a soul that finds its deepest yearnings frustrated by a divine command barring its path, commanding, "Stop. No. Not Yet."

Korach claims to be opposed to the very institution of leadership, and at the same time he wants to be the leader.

To lead is to serve. Those who serve do not lift themselves high. They lift other people high.