Teaching Team

Blind Ambition

By Boaz Michael  | Comments (8) | Posted on June 27, 2008

Our batteries are dead as we approach the final weekend away from our Missouri home. We have been on the road for seven weeks teaching on the "Commandment to Bless."

We have spoken in dozens of homes, fellowships, and conference facilities sharing the simple message of blessing God at our mealtimes. Seems like a simple message, which it is, but it is a bit complicated as there is a history, beautiful Jewish traditions, and even some Halacha to consider. Next week we will be sending out our formal announcement of our new prayer resources, books, training CDs, and it is our intention to have a link to the entire teaching from "The Commandment to Bless" as a free MP3 download from our website at that time. It is our hope that these materials will continue to work towards a mature Messianic Judaism, help bring needed stability, make the mitzvot transferable to the next generation, and provide a better sense of connection with greater Israel--not to mention a fun and meaningful way to turn ones meal-times into a time of praise and reflection on God, the Kingdom, Messiah and the Torah.

Being on the road always provides me with an opportunity to get a pulse on the movement at large, to hear concerns, to see the needs, etc. I think that road-work changes me more than my messages change those that come to hear me speak. I remain encouraged as I see the struggling communities that have formed across North America. This path of Messiah and Torah is not an easy one--but we can make it more enjoyable. We can make it more enjoyable by always assuming the best of others, not being so quick to judge or condemn, and by being a people that pursues peace rather than disputes.

I think that--I know that--people in this movement are tired of the disputes, arguments and divisions. Fighting does not bring anyone closer to Torah. Arguments and quarrels do not reflect the Messiah. First Fruits of Zion has always endeavored to fly above these Bible-wrestling matches, choosing a path of peace rather than public brawls over doctrine. Modeling contentious and divisive behavior in the public arena is unwise because it results in the fracturing of communities on the local level as people take sides, become embittered towards one another. Messiah is dishonored through the culture of confrontations. At First Fruits of Zion, we try to avoid engaging in those kinds of quarrels in the hopes that others may see our example and rise above silly disputes.

We need to give people room to grow into Torah, and we need to give people opportunities to work through thoughts, theologies, ideas, and even the commandments of Torah.

A friend sent me the following commentary on this week's parashah (i.e. parashat Korach and the story of Korah's rebellion). The commentary expressed some of the impressions I have picked up on this road trip. It is important that we understand this Rabbi's thoughts. He states that, as a result of Korah's rebellion, "the fledgling Jewish nation was weakened and demoralized." I can tell you that through our culture of confrontation in the Messianic movement, the jockeying for power, position, and correctness we have become "weakened and demoralized." Ultimately, I am afraid that we are part of a religious movement that will consume itself and is not sustainable. Will you read this and join me in our efforts to rise above dissension, disengage from conflict, assume the best of others, and genuinely love our brothers and sisters, trusting that the Father is working in and through them.

This week's Torah portion tell us of an insurrection led by a man named Korach who wished to lead the Jewish People in place of Moses, his cousin. This episode reminds us of how blind ambition can infect our minds and our hearts and cause untold suffering and pain to those around us.

While Korach did not have a valid claim to leadership, according to the rabbis of the Midrash he concocted all sorts of "Klutzkashes" (silly questions) to pose to Moses in an attempt to make him look foolish. He asked, for example "Why would a room full of Torah scrolls be required to have a Mezuzah on the doorpost?" Or, "Why must a garment made entirely of blue bear Tzizit (fringes) which contained a single blue thread on each corner?"

Ultimately, Moses prevailed politically but the price was steep. Thousands died during this mutiny and, as a result, the fledgling Jewish nation was weakened and demoralized.
In our own day and age, we often watch people seeking power in organizations and governments large and small, jockeying for leadership by trying to mock others, presenting half truths and wild inuendos about their opponents. These tactics do very little to advance the cause of justice or fairness, but they still do harm to themselves, their opponents, and even the people they claim to be representing. In the United States, we find ourselves in an election year, and we are likely to see these kind of tactics used on both sides of the political aisle, probably through election day, if not beyond.

There are constantly competing ideas and philosophies, which is fine. But if someone is hoping to lead others honestly, fairly and decently, the means used to obtain power need to be concomitantly honest, fair and decent.

I believe that it was Henry Kissinger who once observed that "University politics are vicious precisely because the stakes are so small." I believe that when people are vicious anywhere - everyone loses.

Could you imagine how much more civil this world would be if those who disagreed with one another, even regarding matters of great import, did so with respect and dignity? We need to strive to create such a world, for ourselves, for those with whom we may disagree, and especially for those around us whose welfare should be our greatest concern. Shabbat Shalom. Rabbi Arthur Lavinsky

About the Author: Boaz Michael is the president and founder of First Fruits of Zion.

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