8 - THE BULLETIN — Thursday, July 6,1989
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SIDRA KORACH - A SHADE OF DIFFERENCE
In the Sidra Korach we are told about the challenge of Korach the Levite to the leadership of Moshe and the high-priesthood of Aaron.
Tradition tells us that Korach was a wise man; thus, it is understandable that his argument would not be trivial or foolish.
Indeed, it is reasonable to assume that the questions with which Korach challenged Moshe would appeal to human reason and logic.
What was Korach's complaint?. . ."seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them. . . why then do you (i.e. Moshe and Aaron) lift yourself up above the congregation of the L-rd?" In other words, Korach demanded
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that a//the people should have equal status.
At first glance, the question sounds inappropriate, considering the questioner. The tribe Levi of which Korach was a member, was chosen by The Almighty to perform certain sacred services in the Tabernacle. These special obligations were associated with certain special privileges, sucj? as access to the sanctuary, the wearing of certain clothes, etc.
Certainly Korach would not hvae been complaining about the "elevation" of Moses and Aaron in matters relating to their special rank (i.e. matters concerning the leadership of Israel or the High Priesthood); for Korach was a Levite — he, too, had "special rank," and an intelligent man does not make an accusation that itself can be leveled at him!
No, the deeper meaning of Korach's complaint related to matters in which all Jews were equal — situations in which Moshe and Aaron and Korach and the entire congregation shared equal privileges and obligations — where they were all holy.
This was no confrontation about the priestly service in the tabernacle, a service that was Divinely ordained for one tribe. Korach understood and sanctioned those differences.
However, in matters unrelated to the sanctuary, in mundane, ordinary affairs Korach felt that no one should try to be superior to their fellows.
The events of this Sidra provide a valuable lesson to guide the behavior of a Jew.
It is quite understandable, and it is acknowledged by Jew and Gentile alike, that every nation has its special characteristics and attributes.
Some people are talented in the field of agriculture, some excel in mercantile professions, some are scientifically oriented, and so forth.
In this respect, each nation, including Israel, has certain areas of superiority and privilege.
However, it is difficult for some to understand that even in those areas where all the
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nations — including the Jews — are equal, for example in eating and drinking and clothing — matters that deal with the physical requirements of life — there will still be distinctions between Jew and non-Jew.
They don't understand why Jews should "lift themselves up above the congregation in these matters," seeing that "all the congregation are holy" — i.e. that all peoples are equal in this area of life.
However, a Jew has been instructed to behave in such a fashion so as to be recognizable always that he is a Jew. Not only at worship or while he is performing Mitzvos — but also when doing things common to ar//people, such as eating and drinking.
There must be a difference in the food that is eaten, and in the manner of eating — so that the world can recognize that the person eating recognizes The Almighty.
This is a person who utters a B'rocho (blessing) before he eats, and who recites the appropriate ^Voc^os when he finishes. Furthermore, the; B'rochos before and after" should influence his behavior in the middle — while eating — in that the very meal is consumed with dignity and refinement.
In brief, his behavior is a visible demonstration that he is constantly aware of The Almighty's presence and that he wants to be worthy of the title "you are the children of G-d, your G-d."
And as in eating, so also in clothing. Although externally they seem to be essentially "the same as everyone else," Jewish girls and women must conduct themselves in a fashion of "a holy people."
The observer should be able to recognize modesty and dignity even in the summer when it is hot, or at the beach, or in the country, or where fashion "dictates" short skirts and no sleeves.
The Jewish girl should be distinguishable as such, not only in the morning when she is at prayer, or at the dining table when she behaves decorously, but also in her clothing and in her speaking, and certainly in her thoughts.
She should be recognized, at first glance, as a daughter of Sarah, Rebekka, Rachel and Leah — the mothers of our people who laid the original " foundations and who established the pathway for all generations of Jewish women and daughters to follow._
From A Thought for the Week, a summary of the
works of Rabbi Menachem Schneerson Shlita.
Why is Israel like a dove? Other birds, when tired, rest on a branch; but when the dove tires, she rests one wing and flies with the other.
Midrash: Genesis Rabbah, 39:10
Temple Sholom and SIsterhbod elect leaders
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Vancouver's Reform synagogue has elected long-time member Michael Cohene as its new president. Cohene succeeds John Silver.
vice-president; Carol Walker, second vice-president; Deborah Zrill-Mass, third vice-president; Jean Fiedler, treasurer; Sandra Katz, secretary; Esa-Jane Rapaport, corresponding secretary.
COHENE
Temple Sholom Sisterhood held elections earlier this month at a closing dinner and installation of officers. Newly elected president Sara Ciacci also led Sisterhood previously.
"Mytgoals for Sisterhood are simply to increase Jewish awareness of and commitment to Judaism," said Ciacci.
Along with Ciacci six executives and II trustees were elected: Caron Bernstein, first
CIACCI
Elected trustees include: Anne Andrew, Pauline Bab-ins,. Hannah Bild, Brenda Birch, Susan Bluman, Claire Conrad, Goldie Kassen, Monique Kliman, Betsy Menkes, Roberta Mickelson, Susan Pouchet.
Installing officer was Joyce Cherry, outgoing president.
June has been a busy month for the administrators of Temple Sholom where, in one
week, elections were held for both the congregation and Sisterhood.
Sara Ciacci now heads the shul's women's arm, succeeding Joyce Cherry.
Cohene, president of Image Uniforms, told The Bulletin that his main priority as president will be to "maintain the significant position Temple Sholom has built for itself in Vancouver's Jewish community."
A T.S. member since 1972, Cohene said he has "grown up with the Reform movement in this community." He plans to examine the synagogue's programs and establish more adult education programs.
Also elected were six executives and 10 trustees: First vice-president, Ted Zacks; second vice-president, David Schwartz; third vice-president, Fred Mikelberg; treasurer, Eric Andrew, secretary. Sonny Rothschild.
Five trustees will serve until the 1990 annual general meeting: Rose Challenger, Paul Daltrop, Judy Growe, Alan Kay, Isabelle Somekh. The other five trustees serving until 1991 include: LynnBlas-berg, Chris Friedrichs, Robert Goldstein, Ronald Remick, Hy Sheinin.
nai
elects new executive
Jack Kowarsky was installed as president of Lion's Gate Vancouver Lodge No. 668 at the recent annual installation dinner.
Others elected were: Hy Neuman (vice-president); Mark Zlotnick (recording secretary); Morris Kleer-maker (financial secretary); Gary Zlotnick (treasurer); Abe Grossman (warden); Myer Rubin (guardian); Bud Dorfman (chaplain); David Klein, Rubin Zilberman,-Ken Levitt (trustees); Ben Dayson (member-at-large).
Committee chairmen are: Mark Zlotnick (Brotherhood Inter-Faith Society); Henri Alko {Lion-0'Gram)\ Maurice Liifchus (community services); Bert Smollan (finance campaign); Bill Gluck (Holocaust and anti-defamation); Shyah Stein (installation program); Izzy Fraeme (Israel); George Turner (membership); Alan Tapper (programming); John Dragushan (publicity); Bernard Chodos (roster); Meyer Rubin (visiting); Len Lifchus (BBYO); Bud Dorfman (Hillel and Youth Activities).
In his acceptance speech, the new president indicated that a B'nai B'rith office will shortly be opened at 1260 Howe street, making the Lodge more accessible to the general public.
B'nai B'rith international has been in the forefront of protecting the interests of the Jewish people. He told. The Bulletin he intends to have the
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JACK KOWARSKY (left) steps in as new president of B'nai B'rith Lion's Gate Vancouver Lodge at the recent instaliation dinner. Installing officers were Joe Sinclair (centre) and Alec Jackson.
local Lodge provide spokes-people to defend Jewish heritage and rights.
Kowarsky stressed the importance of showing leadership and strong commitment to Hillei, BBYO and AZA. He felt that through active participation, young people would get to know what B'nai B'rith can offer them now and in^he future as lodge members.
The evening was co-chaired by Dave Wolochow and Maurice Lifchus. Alec Jackson, past international vice-president, and Joe Sinclair, district vice-president were installing officers.
Outgoing president. Bud Dorfman presented 50 year membership awards to Dr. Nathan Gropperand Norman Sandomirsky. Twenty-five year membership awards were
presented to Bertram Bevan, Larry Brandt, Nat Chelin, David Feldman, SidneyGrun-feld, Harry Harris, Howard Isamn, Dr. Israel Mosko-vitch, Ben Waldman, Joseph Winfield.
Ben Dayson was presented with the Alec Jackson Trophy for having attained the highest membership enrollment for the year.
A special award was presented to Ted Goodson for his outstanding work in the building society culminating in the B'nai B'rith Manor.
Distinguished service awards were presented to Henri Alko, Jack Bass, Joe Bertz, Ben Dayson, John Dragushan, Paul Fader, Abe Grossman, Dave Jackson, David Klein, Maurice Lifchus, Meyer Rubin, Manny Schwartz, Joe Sinclair, Dave Wolochow.
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