Our special guest today is Rabbi Susan Silverman, an active member of 'Women of the Wall'. Born and raised in New Hampshire, Rabbi Silverman was ordained by the HUC-JIR in 1994 and, after serving as a congregation Rabbi in Maryland, she made Aliyah with her family in 2006. Silverman is author of “Jewish Family and Life: Traditions, Holidays, and Values for Today's Parents and Children' (written together with her husband Yuval Abramovitz), as well as of the forthcoming “Casting Lots: A Memoir of Family, Adoption and God”. Rabbi Silverman is also the sister of comedian Sarah Silverman.
This week's Torah Portion- Parashat Korach (Numbers 16:1-18:32)- tells the dramatic story of a mutiny incited by Korach against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. Korach is joined by Datan and Aviram as well as by 250 distinguished members of the community who offer incense to prove they are worthy of the priesthood. The earth opens up and swallows the mutineers, and a fire kills the incense offerers. Aaron subsequently stops a plague by offering incense of his own and his staff then brings forth almonds, proving that his designation as high priest is divinely ordained.
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