Facing Our Future with Humility

Friends,

This week we witness a rebellion that threatens our very future. We read in our Torah that Korach rose up against Moses with 250 ‘men of repute,’ and cried “You have gone too far! For all the community are holy, all of them, and God is in their midst. Why then do you raise yourselves above the LORD’s congregation? (Num. 16:3)” Moses’s response answers that very question: “He fell on his face.” Over the years, our sages have interpreted this an act of deep humility; Moses was asking God to both forgive these people and for guidance. Moses paused and sought council instead of reacting quickly.

Among Moses’s many positive attributes, humility stands above all. He initially didn’t want to assume his leadership role. He agreed because God understood Moses’s unique position, having been raised as a prince, as an actor against injustice, and as his years of being a shepherd. Moses had learned how to think critically, welcome different perspectives and always act for the benefit of the community. Like Moses we can learn to do the same.

We know the consequence of poor leadership – in this parable and others, a plague breaks out among the people. Only when someone intercedes and pleads for forgiveness on others’ behalf does the plague cease. Sometimes, we are even called to ask God to forgive our enemies, as do Moses and Aaron. When they learn how God will punish Korach and his men, again they fall on their faces each time.

As our own plague continues to erupt in our country and world, we can channel the humility of Moses to reflect and seek guidance. We pray for the health of those who continue to become ill while we turn to doctors and scientists for their best advice about how to slow down the spread. We can put on our masks and choose to limit our movement for the sake of the greater community. Only together will we be able to confront and minimize the dangers that surround us.

We continue to pray for those afflicted by Covid-19, and please know that if you are in need of any kind of support please do not hesitate to reach out.

With blessings of hope, strength, courage and health,
Rabbi Immerman