1. How do you call this space/place around us?
2. What does this word really mean to you?
3. Is there anything you can teach others about its meaning?
4. Why do you come here?
1. Take a paper and pen and draw your ideal synagogue. No limits. As many rooms as you need with all the equipment you desire. All the employees. Ice-cream maker? Giant library? Coctail bar? Anytning.
2. When you are done - put yourself in it. What would be your job?
Share + explain.
(1) Now Korah, son of Izhar son of Kohath son of Levi, betook himself, along with Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—descendants of Reuben — (2) to rise up against Moses, together with two hundred and fifty Israelites, chieftains of the community, chosen in the assembly, men of repute. (3) They combined against Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! For all the community are holy, all of them, and יהוה is in their midst. Why then do you raise yourselves above יהוה’s congregation?” (4) When Moses heard this, he fell on his face.
2. What is the role of Moses? What is the role of Korah? What is the role of his companions?
3. What type of community is Korah introducing?
4. What are the positives/negatives of such a community?
הִלֵּל אוֹמֵר: אַל תִּפְרֹשׁ מִן הַצִּבּוּר.
Hillel says: Do not separate yourself from the community.
If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?
2. Do they suggest any type of obligation?
3. Does this type of behavior leave any space for God?
4. Do you see any contradiction?
5. Can you be "for yourself" while staying engaged in the community?
6. Are these two Pirkei Avot sources in conversation with each other or do they contradict one another?