Korach: And On That Farm He Had Some... Harmony!

Our Torah portion this week, Korach, begins with dissension, mutiny, and fighting. Several people challenge the authority of Moses and Aaron, and the entire fabric of Israelite society begins to unravel. Even after 

multiple rebellions are put down, there is still a feeling of unrest lingering in the community. And so we ask ourselves, what is the solution? What will calm the fiery temperaments, and (hopefully) lead to long-term harmony? This question is essential, primarily because it isn't limited to a nomadic community living 3,500 years ago; it is a relevant - and necessary - question to ask ourselves today as well. When we feel distant from one another, and when it seems that nothing could possibly bring us back together, what do we do? Is healing possible?

And the short answer is... giving. I need to give of myself and allow myself to be vulnerable, EVEN when there's no guarantee that anyone on the other side of the divide will do the same. Someone's gotta take that first, scary step. Our Torah portion, as I mentioned, begins with fighting, but it ends with charity and kindness. At the very end of our parashah, we are taught about the law of tithing, giving one tenth of the yield of our fields (or, in modern terms, our annual earnings) to charity. The Torah makes it clear that tithing teaches us to revere God, and the Etz Hayim Torah Commentary adds that, 'tz'dakah nourishes the soul of the donor even as it sustains the recipient.' To me, the message is clear: When we give, we step outside of ourselves and our personal needs. We see the world around us and all its inhabitants, and we start to see our own problems and gripes and frustrations as just a little bit smaller and less-significant than before.

This week, Ohev Shalom is launching a CSA, community supported agriculture. For the next 22 weeks, members of the CSA will be getting locally grown produce from Red Earth Farm in Lancaster, PA. We now have a relationship with a farmer, his farmer's wife, and all the people who will be growing the 
food that we eat. And we will also be donating a full share, every week, to Wesley House Emergency Shelter in Chester, PA. In addition, members can contribute produce from their own share to Wesley House, which, in a sense, works as a means of tithing. All in one, we are eating more locally, we are supporting our local farmers, we are feeding the hungry in our community, AND we are giving ourselves the opportunity to tithe. The architect/developer Michael Corbett once said: "You know you're on the right track when your solution to one problem accidentally solves several others."

I KNOW that we are on the right track. Our Torah portion reminds us that when we connect to the earth and to our community - through tithing or any other form of tzedakah - we can ALSO help cure the strife and enmity that festers in society. It sounds incredible simplistic: Eat locally grown swiss chard and you can solve the problems of violence in the world. I hear how it sounds. But let's face it, many (if not most) of the strategies we're currently trying aren't exactly working either, are they? And at least this way, you'll also be eating healthier and keeping a neighborhood farm in business. After all the fighting Moses had to endure, I am certain he would have been thrilled to try ANYTHING! Isn't it time you (en)dive right in?

Photos in this blog post:

1. CC image courtesy of malczyk on Flickr

2. CC image courtesy of Uberto on Flickr