Truth Springs from the Earth

In the midst of the wilderness,
In the time of wandering,
Korach gathered followers and grasped for power.
Feigning communal concern,
He attempted to seize control for himself.
 
His confrontation with Moshe,
Yielded a startling result:
 
The earth opened up and swallowed him and his family,
Alive and whole.
 
And deep within the ground, below the shifting sands,
Korach and his children lived, listened and grew.
Over time, the earth taught them wisdom
And now they sing eternal songs,
Sharing truths they learned*:
 
The Infinite One is our refuge and strength,
Our help in distress,
Very present, always here. (Psalm 46:2)
 
Contentment comes from knowing that in each moment we dwell with the Divine Presence. (Psalm 84:5)
 
Like a deer yearning for brooks and streams,
My soul yearns for the Mystery.
My soul thirsts for the Source of All, for the Source of all Life. (Psalm 42:2-3)
 
Send forth sacred light and truth, they will lead me. (Psalm 43:3)
 
My mouth will speak wisdom, the meditations of my heart will bring understanding. (Psalm 49:4)
 
Love and truth meet,
Peace and Justice embrace
Truth sprouts from the earth
And justice sees from the heavens. (Psalm 85:11-12)
 
The One of all Possibilities is with us. The Mystery that comes through the ancestors is our refuge. (Psalm 46:12)
 
Honoring the earth and each other, may we add our voices to the sacred songs.

Listen to the recording of today's Sit dedicated to this teaching.

Shabbat shalom to all.
—Rabbi Yael Levy

*Twelve Psalms are attributed to the children of Korach: Psalms 42-49, 84, 85, 87, 88. (Psalm 43 does not say “children of Korach” but is literarily joined to the preceding psalm.)