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Parshat Korach

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June 25, 2011 23 Sivan, 5771

Rabbi Frand on Parshat Korach


Where Korach Deserves Credit Parshas Korach is one of the most tragic parts of the Torah. This is the prototype of machlokes in Klal Yisrael. The Torah herein demonstrates the ill effects of machlokes. Korach challenged the leadership of Moshe Rabbeinu. Moshe responded with a counter challenge: "Do this. Take for yourselves fire-pans - Korach and his entire assembly - and put fire in them and place incense upon them before Hashem tomorrow. Then the man whom Hashem will choose, he is the holy one..." [Bamidbar 16:7] Rashi comments: "Korach What did he see in all this foolishness?" In other words, the odds against Korach's offering being accepted were 250 to 1 (given the fact that 250 men were participating in this challenge). 249 people were going to die. This is far more ludicrous than participating in "Russian Roulette" (involving shooting oneself with a revolver having a single bullet in one of the gun's six chambers) where one has 5 chances out of 6 of coming out of the game alive. Here 249 out of 250 contestants were going to wind up dead! Rashi responds that Korach was mislead by a prophetic vision. He saw through ruach haKodesh (holy spirit) that he was going to be the progenitor of greatness. The great prophet Samuel was one of his descendants. Shmuel haNavi was in some sense on par with Moshe and Aharon. Korach miscalculated. He figured "If I know that I have a descendant like Shmuel haNavi, I know that I am safe! I see that the Almighty has great things in store for me and my family!" unprecedented, for Chazal to speak of someone as a 'pikeach'. Which other Jewish personality is ever given such an accolade? And where in fact do we see that Korach was a 'pikeach' ? The following approach, based on a Kedushas Levi, may be suggested:

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Earlier, Rashi mentions that Korach's motivation for starting up with Moshe was based on the appointment of Elizafon ben Uziel as the Head of the Family of Kehas. Moshe Rabbeinu, based on Divine command, gave this honorable job to Elizafon, who descended from the youngest of the sons of Kehas. This appointment bothered Korach to no end. Of Kehas's four sons, Amram was the oldest brother. This explains why he did Therefore, Korach was something that was very willing to live with the fact foolish. But another question that both of the sons may be asked. Rashi says: (Aharon and Moshe) of "Korach was a 'pikeach' a Amram had leadership wise man." Where do we ever roles. One was the King see that Korach was a wise and one was the High man? Priest. But, he felt, that the next major appointment in It is rare, if not the family should go to

CONGREGATIONAL is sponsored by Sheila & Moosa Ebrahimian & in memory of his father GRADUATION KIDDUSH
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Seudah Shlishit

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Shabbat Announcements Parshat Korach 5771

himself, who was the son of Yitzhar Kehas' second son. He was so consumed with jealousy over the fact that he was passed over for the son of a younger brother that he started a revolution against Moshe. But the difficulty with Rashi's scenario is that the appointment of Elizafon ben Uziel took place in Parshas Bamidbar on Rosh Chodesh Iyar! That event took place long ago. If Korach was so upset by this appointment, where was he for the last five parshiyos (which transpired over far longer a period than 5 weeks)! When a person is consumed with jealousy, he does not bide his time and sit back waiting for an opportune moment. Jealousy makes a person crazy. The answer is that Korach was a pikeach (shrewd individual). He was a smart person who knew that in life, timing is everything. One has to know when to make his move. In Parshas Bamidbar, Moshe Rabbeinu was riding high. He was the Master of all Israel. He performed the great miracles in the desert. He took care of all the people's needs. His approval ratings were off the charts! It was certainly no time to mount a challenge to his leadership! The Ramban explains the reason why Parshas Korach follows the chapter of the Spies: The people were depressed as a result of the aftermath of the Spies debacle. Morale was at an all time low. We must remember that the incident of the Spies followed the incidents of the Complainers (Mis'onenim) and the Graves of Lust (Kivros haTayvah). Now they faced 40 more years of desert wandering. It was at precisely this moment that Korach decided to make his move against Moshe. This was the 'pikchus' (shrewdness) of Korach. If he was a foolish person, then he would have opened up his mouth to complain as soon as he was upset about something. For a person who is so consumed with jealousy and so upset to realize that "now is not the time to address this issue" is the sign of a special person. Instant gratification is the sign of a fool, an immature baby, and a person with no intelligence. The older we get, the more we realize that we often need to put things off.

Korach nursed his grudge against Moshe until the proper time. Perhaps this was not the sign of a person with sterling character; however it was the sign of a 'pikeach' (a shrewd individual). We need to give Korach that much credit. He had the wisdom to understand that in life, timing is everything.

Great Neck Synagogue Shabbat Activities Program

Great Neck Synagogue Shabbat Activities Program

Dale Polakoff, Rabbi Ian Lichter, Assistant Rabbi Dr. Ephraim Wolf ,zl, Rabbi Emeritus Michael Bleicher, Daniel Schwechter, Rabbinic Interns Zeev Kron, Cantor Eleazer Schulman, zl, Cantor Emeritus Mark Twersky, Executive Director Joseph Hecht, President Harold Domnitch, Chairman of the Board

THE GREEN TIP OF THE WEEK CHEAP WAYS TO STAY COOL IN YOUR HOME * Pull the shades - Closing your blinds on your house can make a world of difference during the day. Furthermore, having insulated windows and blinds helps keep the cold air out in the winter, but it also helps keep out the heat in the summer. * Air it out - Open those windows at night when it cools down outside. It will help vent the air that has been in the house all day. A cool evening breeze will help you cool things down without the AC. However, if it is too humid out, it is recommended that you use the AC. Too much humidity can cause mold to grow inside your house. * Seal it up - Have your windows and doors properly sealed to cut down on air leakage. Its also a good idea to insulate the duct work in your home. If its in the attic, heavily insulate it. If possible, run duct work through cooler parts of the house, such as the basement. * Fan it out - Turn on the ceiling fans or a free-standing fan. Fans are great for moving the air and can generally make a house feel cooler by producing a breeze. * Lighten it up - Switch out those standard incandescent bulbs for compact florescent bulbs (CFL). Not only will this save you energy, but CFLs burn cooler, helping you keep the temperature in the house down. Another great way to reduce heat in the house is to turn off your computers. * Add some shade - Another great way to cut down on the heat is to add some shade. Plant some trees on the side of your house that receives the most sun. It may take some time, but when these trees grow up, they will provide shade for your house during the summertime, which will cut down on energy costs. * Go digital - If you can, put in a digital thermostat. Its a better way to manage your household temperature. You can set the house for a higher temperature when you are not home and a lower temperature when you arrive home from work. Dont set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool your home any faster and could result in excessive cooling and unnecessary expense.

GREAT NECK SYNAGOGUE GRADUATION & CONGREGATIONAL KIDDUSH SATURDAY, JUNE 25, 2011 CELEBRATE ALL OF YOUR SMACHOT WITH US BIRTHS BAR & BAT MITZVAH GRADUATIONS WEDDINGS ANNIVERSARIES BIRTHDAYS OR COMMEMORATE A LOVED ONES YAHRZEIT TO PARTICIPATE, PLEASE CALL THE SYNAGOGUE OFFICE OR SEND YOUR INFORMATION TO MTWERSKY@GNS.ORG COST IS $100 PER FAMILY I WISH TO PARTICIPATE IN THE KIDDUSH YOUR NAME__________________________________ IN HONOR OF____________________________________ OCCASION______________________________________ IN MEMORY OF___________________________________ CHECK ENCLOSED_____________________________________

GreatNeckSynagogueMensClub GOINGFISHING Haveafunday, bringthewholefamily OntheCAPT.PETEfromFreeport,NY(30minutesfrom GreatNeck)onSunday,JULY3,2011.Theboatwillbe departingat9:00am,withthereturntodockat 1:30pm.Thecost,whichincludesalightlunch,is$45 perperson,$36forchildrenunder12.ContactSteve Blumner6398941,MarkFriedman4821062orHilly Milun4484890. TheBoat:TheCapt.Peteisaluxury65ftfiberglass,twin enginecharterboatwithamenitiessuchasan oversizedcabin,largedinettearea,custombathrooms andtwolevelstohelpyouenjoyyourdayoutonthe water.OntheCapt.Pete,allbait,tackleandiceare alwaysincluded. TheSkipper:CaptainPetehasprovidedsomeofthe bestfishing,familygettogethersandbusinessoutings forwelloverthirtyyears.Hehasanarrayof experiencesfromfishingtodayandnightcruisesand promisesyouagreattime,whetheryouwanttofishor justrelaxandhangoutatseawithyourfamilyand friends. I am going fishing! Children under 17 MUST be accompanied by an adult Name ______________________________ Phone # ___________________ Number of adults and teenagers _#________ at $45 per person $ _______________ Number of children 11 and under _#________ at $36 each $ _______________ Total (Check attached) $ _______________

SUMMERLEARNINGPROGRAM DearFriends, EachyearourSummerLearningProgramisrun throughthegenerosityofsponsors.Itistothecreditofour sponsorsthatthevoiceofTorahisstrengthenedeach summer. Sponsorshipisonehundreddollars. Pleasecalltheofficetobeincludedinthisnobleeffort. Wewillonceagainbeincludingasponsorslistin theShabbatAnnouncements.Ifyouwouldliketosponsora DayofLearningatanadditionalcost,inhonororin memoryofsomeone,pleasecallMarkTwerskyandlethim know. ThankyouforhelpingsupportTorah. Verycordiallyyours, RabbiDalePolakoff RabbiIanLichter

ANNOUNCEMENTS
MENS CLUB DEFENSIVE DRIVING COURSE The GNS Mens Club in conjunction with AARP is sponsoring a defensive driving course to be held in our synagogue on June 28 and 29, 2011. The course will be held on two consecutive evenings from 7:00pm until 10:00 pm. By taking the course one gets a discount on the auto policy and also as many as four points are deducted from your license for any past traffic violations. The course is open to any member of the synagogue and the fee is $12.00 for AARP members and $14.00 for non members. Space is limited, so reservations are recommended. Reservations can be made by mailing your check, payable to AARP, to Al Leiderman at Great Neck Synagogue, 26 Old Mill Rd. Great Neck, NY 11023. Attendance is required for all sessions. For further information, please call Al Leiderman at 516-482-0628 FISHING TRIP Have a fun day, bring the whole family on the CAPT. PETE from Freeport, NY (30 minutes from Great Neck) on Sunday, JULY 3, 2011. The boat will be departing at 9:00 am, with the return to dock at 1:30 pm. The cost, which includes a light lunch, is $45 per person $36 for children under 12. Contact Steve Blumner 639-8941, Mark Friedman 482-1062 or Hilly Milun 448-4890. WOMEN'S TEFILA STORY QUILT In honor of the upcoming 30th Anniversary Year of the Women's Tefila Group in Great Neck, we are asking people to submit a vignette of their experiences as participants in Women's Tefila. Whether you are a regular member or came just once, a Bat Mitzvah alum, mother of a Bat Mitzvah, bride, grandmother, mother of a newborn, woman who observed a yahrzeit with us, or father of a bat mitzvah girl, PLEASE write a couple of sentences to a couple of paragraphs about your experience at Women's Tefila. EMAIL your reflections to Harriet Schimel at hschimel@aol.com BUS TRIP TO THE MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE Sunday July 17: The Mens Club is going on a bus trip to NYC to view the exhibition, Fire in my Heart, the story of HANNAH SENESH, at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in Battery Park. You will also have an opportunity to browse the permanent exhibits. The bus will leave at 10:00 am and return approximately 4:00 pm. The cost is $55 per person, which includes the bus trip, entrance fees and lunch. Please call the shul office to make reservations. BASEBALL SEASON The Great Neck Baseball league would like to thank the following individuals for their hard work, dedication and leadership during our most successful year. Glenn Zuckerman, Isaac Greszes, Jeff Sender, Jason Mayer, Ted Perlman, Eli Cohen, Maurice Setton, Mark Goldman, Mordi Dicker, Eric Rosen, Howard Schatz and Etan Walls. BONE MARROW DRIVE FOR AYELET GALENA Great Neck Synagogue and the Young Israel of Great Neck will be having a Bone Marrow Drive for Ayelet Galena on June 26th at Young Israel of Great Neck from 9:15 am until 12:00 pm. Ayelet is a one year old baby diagnosed with a rare bone marrow failure disorder who is in desperate need of a bone marrow transplant. No blood is required only a cheek swab. Adults ages 18 to 55 can participate. To check if you are already registered, see https://www.giftoflife.org/ Public/quickcheck/default.aspx . Questions? Want to volunteer? Email Racheli Brandsdorfer atgoldfisher@gmail.com. YIDDISH VORT "Zol's vakzen vie a tsibele". Yiddish folklore is rich in "curses". Sholem Aleichem famously compiled his step-mother's favorites. Make your own list and bring it to DOS YIDDISH VORT at its next meeting on Wednesday, June 22 at 1:30 pm. All welcome. For more information call Roz Wagner 487-9795 GREAT NECK COMMUNITY CUBA MISSION Mission to the Jewish Communities of Cuba, Sunday September 11 Thursday, September 15, 2011 5 days, 4 nights in Cuba, modern A/C bus with W.C., Cuban guide specialized in Jewish Heritage missions, meetings with leaders of the Cuban Jewish community & roundtrip Air MIA/HAV/MIA. For more details on the mission and itinerary please see Marcos Benzaquen. LOST Taken by mistake black North Face raincoat with a belt three quarter length. Please return to shul.

Within Our Family


Mazal Tov to Ariella Lunzer on becoming President of NCSY for the New York Region, covering Westchester, NYC and Long Island. Mazal Tov to Judy & Martin Hoffman on the birth of a grandson, born to their children Rabbi Evan & Suri Hoffman. Mazal Tov to Dina & Jonathan Ohebshalom on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Jacqueline. Mazal Tov to Sharon Goldwyn and David Birnbaum and Syma & Warren Keschner on the birth of their granddaughter Lily Frances- Liana Fruma born to their children Rafaella and Isaac Keschner. Mazal Tov to Mindy and Michael Leventhal on the Bat Mitzvah of their daughter Charlotte Skye. Mazal Tov also to grandparents Nina & George Miner. Mazal Tov to Rabbi Adam & Estee Acobas on the birth of a baby boy.
HUNGER INITIATIVE Friday food drop offs have decreased while the need has increased. Please be mindful of the less fortunate as you prepare for Shabbat, when you cook during the week and when planning your Simchas. We are feeding many elderly persons and small families, so smaller quantities are also appreciated. You can cook a little extra during the week, freeze it and drop off at 18 Birchwood Lane on Fridays before 12:45 pm. CHOLENT COMPETITION The cooking mitts are off as our First Annual Cholent Competition heats up. Scheduled for Shabbat, June 25th, as part of our graduation kiddush, the Cholent Competition offers opportunities for the culinary gifted members of our shul to strut their stuff. The six slots have already been filled. We have the cholent of Michael Leventhal, honed to perfection through many hours of late night tisches; Sharon Goldwyn, bringing years of GNS tradition to her mix, Sharon Mazur, a meat maven beyond compare, Tami Kramer and her marathon mix, Sari Braunstein, bringing the best of Ashkenaz and Sepharad together, and Eli Cohen, whose cholent could even find its way through Great Neck Estates. Keep watching this space for competition updates For Graduation Kiddush flyer see page 3.

Y A H R Z E I T

Saturday, 23 Sivan Moshe Apelbaum for Shai Apelbaum Erein Justin for Moshe Tweg Phyllis Katz for William Kushner Alan Prawer for Genia Prawer Sunday, 24 Sivan Jill Haft for Helen Rebecca Strulovic William B. Helmreich for Mark Helmreich Manny Strulovic for Helen Strulovic Monday, 25 Sivan Jack Lipsky for David Lipsky Tuesday, 26 Sivan Barry Maher for Javaher Maher Afarin Wednesday, 27 Sivan Moosa Ebrahimian for Amin Ebrahimian Mindy Leventhal for Charlotte Scheinnkman Mahin Mardkha for Amin Ebrahimian Mali Meisel for Annie Maultasch Gerald Traub for Mollie Traub Thursday, 28 Sivan Herschel Flax for Joshua Pasvolsky Mary F. Flax for Joshua Pasvolsky Joseph Gil for Esther Gil Jerry Gil for Esther Gil Richard Lillian for Sol Engelhard Benjamin Lunzer for Soshana Lunzer Friday, 29 Sivan Myles Mittleman for Philip Mittleman

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