Recap for 3 Tamuz 5775 (Parsha Korach)

This Shabbos we discussed parsha Korach. In the parsha, Korach leads a rebellion against the leadership. Ariav talked about how it is ok to have disagreements and question things in Judaism, but it is not ok to rebel against the will of Hashem. It was Hashem’s plan that Aaron lead the sacrifices in the Temple, however Korach and his supporters could not understand and/or agree to this.

Avishai talked about the people’s reaction to Korach being swallowed up as a punishment. The people did not understand what Korach had done wrong. The response to continued rebellion was yet a subsequent plague. Eventually the plague ends, and Aaron retains his role as Hashem intended.

It is a very important point that Judaism encourages questions and disagreement is fine, however we must respect the will of Hashem at all times.  Ariav spoke about how disagreement is one thing, but rebellion is quite another.  We discussed how sometimes there are laws known as Chokem - that do not make sense, however we still must follow them. It may not have made any sense at all, that only Aaron was capable of leading the sacrifices, however it was still important to respect that this was Aaron’s role.

This Shabbos we welcomed back Dan, and remember his quotes about “elevating the sparks of kiddusha”. This principle, of elevating the physical into a spiritual dimension is central to our religion.  Our mission as Jews is to bring spirituality to a physical world.  One of the main purposes of all the food and drink we enjoy on Shabbos, is provided to enhance the spirituality of the day.

We discussed again how we are all “in it” together. I personally sometimes forget or do not know all the halakuh. We try to help each other, and I appreciate those who have helped me. Just this year I have learned some more halakuh which I did not know previously. I can also be absent minded at times and appreciate being reminded of halakuh I already know about, as well.

We discussed how Judaism is all about making a connection to Hashem. We discussed how Hashem may be more receptive to this at certain times of the day. For example, Hashem may “listen” more intently in the early morning. We discussed how of course Hashem’s ability to listen does not vary during the day, but if we are willing to wake up early we show more willingness and motivation, so Hashem is more receptive to us.

This Shabbos we discussed another topic which is the 2 different models we have for how we spend the Shabbos day. In the first model, we wake up early, and do all our davening (sacharis, Torah reading, and mussaf) without delay.  In this case we go home and have our first meal well before noon, and then move on to Torah study.

In the second model, we see Shabbos as more of a day of rest and start davening later than normal. There may be a long break between the Torah reading and Musaff in which the rabbi and others speak. In this case the first meal would be closer to noon, if not later. 

We discussed and concluded that both models are equally valid. It is my opinion that the community should be as strong as possible which is achieved when both models are offered.  

Regardless of which model we participate in, it is important that we spend sufficient time learning. We discussed how Shabbos is usually about 25 hours. If we allocate 7 hours for sleep, this leaves 9 hours each for learning and Oneg. The time we spend davening counts towards the learning. For example, if we spend 2 hours davening, we are left with 7 hours for learning. It may be possible to combine the learning and Oneg together, and not all learning has to be formal.

Finally, we discussed the idea of bringing in Shabbos early. In the summer and perhaps at other times of the year, we can start Shabbos before sun down. We divide the afternoon into 4 equal periods, and we can start Shabbos anytime during the 4th period, if we choose. In this case we would daven earlier than required, and once we bring Shabbos in, we would follow the normal Shabbos commandments and mitzvah.

This is a summary of what we discussed. No Halachic rulings are intended or should be inferred.