Earth Guidance
Dear Friends,
This week’s Torah portion, Korach, speaks about human arrogance and the healing powers of earth.
In the midst of the wilderness,
In the time of wandering,
Korach gathered followers from the elite of the community
And grabbed for power.
Pretending communal concern,
He attempted to seize control for himself.
Korach’s confrontation with Moshe,
Brought into the world a new creation:
As Korach and his family stood in challenge
The earth opened and swallowed them all
Alive and whole.
And deep within the ground, below the shifting sands,
Korach and his children lived, listened and grew.
Over time, as the earth shared its wisdom,
Human beings were created anew.
Now the children of Korach sing psalms of praise,
Raising up truths from the earth and
Guiding the human heart toward healing:
Contentment comes from knowing that in each moment
We dwell within the Divine Presence
And the Divine Presence dwells within us.
Our very being offers praise.
Psalm 84:5
The Source of All is our refuge and strength,
Our help in distress,
Very present, always here.
Psalm 46:2
Like a deer yearning for brooks and streams,
My soul yearns for you, Infinite Mystery.
My soul thirsts for the Divine Presence,
For the Source that fills all Life.
Psalm 42: 2-3
Send forth your light and truth, Great Mystery,
This will guide me
And bring me to your sacred presence.
Psalm 43:3
Blessed are those who trust in the Mystery of Possibilities.
Psalm 84:13
Singing and dancing, we say
Our roots spring forth from the One.
Psalm 87:7
May my mouth speak wisdom.
May the meditations of my heart 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
May we listen well to the truths the earth is telling.
May her wisdom teach us to be creatures whose lives are dedicated to the healing and well being of all.
With love and blessing,
Rabbi Yael
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.)
THIS WEEK'S AUDIO TEACHINGS: Torah portion Korach
Listen to the recording of this week's Torah Study and the Morning Meditation Sit with Rabbi Yael Levy.
Also now available: Listen to an archive recording of May 15, 2023 Torah Study with Tiferet Welch, from the beginning of the book of B'Midbar. Our apologies for the delay in posting.