Torah and Its Discontents
Torah and Its Discontents
Parashat Korach (Numbers 16:1–18:32)
This chapter discusses Korach's confrontation with Moses in the readings of Parashat Korach of Numbers. Korach and his co-conspirators accused Moses of “[having] gone too far!” and raising himself above “Adonai's congregation.” Moses responded in kind, using similarly aggressive language: “The man who Adonai chooses, he is the holy one.” In this passage, Korach represented the LGBT people who are considered less violent and fair. In addition, he made a moral argument similar to that of queers: holiness resides in everyone. As such, the Talmud's message emphasizes ethical leadership and universal holiness. It asks the gay rights movement to think seriously about the depths of inclusion.
Keywords: Parashat Korach, Numbers, Moses, Adonai, LGBT people
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