>> Torah portion O ANN ARBOR RESTAURANT WEEK PM " " winiommirman 0 www.annarborrestaurantweek.com Conflict Revolution Parshat Korach: Numbers 16:1-18:32; I Samuel 11:14-12:22. W by do we fight with the ones we should love? Is it inner angst that we are unfairly firing? Do we feel so defined by our opinions that we so aggressively defend them? Is our self- image so fragile that we violently snap at the slight- est offense? Why do we embrace the feud? Why have we sanc- tioned settling for silent treatment or agreed ani- mosity? Our subjective, rational- izing minds make it near- impossible to uncover our own underlying motives. But we do have a remark- able case study of experts in conflict resolution — children. Normal children fight. Yet, even after the most convincing declaration "I'm not your friend anymore a mere few minutes later they are likely play- ing the next game in each other's jolly company. How have children mastered the most elusive skill of forgiveness? Their young minds have yet to mature. They are far from altruistic. Yet they roll over — and get back to living — with such agility. Simply, children are more invested in being happy than being right. They are more keen to explore than to bunker down in self-description. Adulthood and tough experiences often come with side effects of compli- cated priorities, born from an injured identity. Korach was the antagonist arche- type. He rallied against the deeply beloved hero of a fledgling, inspired nation. Moses was the most loving, humble and devoted leader a people could wish for. He had proven him- self miraculously capable. Yet Korach maniacally smeared him with the most absurd accusations. Korach was talented and wealthy. He had plenty to be grateful for. He was exceptionally smart and should have known better. What drove him to such depravity? The Torah first introduces us to him with "And Korach took ..." What he took is not clear. What is clear is that he was on the take. He felt entitled. He had boxed him- self into a corner of expecta- tions. His pride and greed left him dissatisfied and angry. The man of greatest resources had become the neediest. He was addicted to having his ego stroked and his every impulse fed. Korach felt inadequate with- out the constant crutch of glory. In contrast, Moses was in touch with his intrinsic worth. His healthy self- respect allowed him to be humble. His solid identity gave him the stamina to be kind. Even as the target of the vicious attacks, he tirelessly and patiently attempted to mediate an end to the suicidal campaign. The Torah warns us not to join the camp of Korach. Tragically, anger and resentment continue to sacrifice our dearest. Crazily, time and again, people liquidate their greatest treasures in the name of indignation. There is nothing more divine than unity. But if we can't be peaceful and loving for the spiritual cause, let us at least do it for the selfish kickbacks. We will be happiest when we let go. We feel secure when our main need is to give. We will find serenity when we make peace with imperfection. The wisest of men was childish enough to discover that true delight lies outside of himself. 1917880 1•L LARGE 1 TOPPING PIZZA FREE Not valid wit Valid at Pa rtici pating p h Must mention and present coupon at time ol order. 15 Min Delivery EXPIRES 12/31/14 Promo Code 2539 Not valid with any other offers. Valid at Participating locations only. Most mention and present coupon at time of order. EXCLUDES GLUTEN FREE. EXPIRES 12/31/14 Promo Code 2538 E.XTRENI E. PIZZA BIRMIN GHAM 1160 Grant Street DELIVER order on-line CALL 248.2580500 birming anextremepizzacom extremepizza.com SIGNATURE PIZZAS • SLICES • MONSTER SUBS • WINGS • FRESH SALADS • CALZONES 10% OFF TOTAL BILL Excludes tax, tip and beverages. With this ad. Banquet Services not included. r E Dine in or Carry out. Expires 7/3/14 -,( Brass Pointe rT : h j;(- (7 (' (Th ?( i ( 24234 Orchard Lake Rd., N.E. corner of 10 Mile • 476-1377 Open 7 Days a week for lunch & dinner Dine-In Only BREAKFAST I House of aneakes MORE THAN JUST PANCAKES! Waffles, Crepes, Blintzes, French Toast, Omelettes, Skillets, Specialty Sandwiches, Chicken Sandwiches. UNDAY BRUNCH 10ANI-4PM BREAKFAST AND LUNCH ITEMS. FRUIT AND CARVING STATION! ❑ I i••• .1 =NU Chanoch Hadar is rabbi of the Woodward New Hours: Monday-Saturday 7AM - 4PM, Sunday 7AM - 3PM Avenue Shul in Royal Oak. 29221 Northwestern Hwy. Southfield (248) 351 0777 $3.45 Mon-Fri 7am-1 1 am 2 Eggs, 2 Bacon or 2 Sausage or Ham With Hash Browns and Toast Original House of Pancakes 248-351-0777 With coupon. Dine-in Only. Not valid with any other offer, discount or special. Expires 7/2/14. 0/„ TOTAL FOOD BILL. OFF Original House of Pancakes 248-351-0777 With coupon. Dine-in Only. Not valid with any other offer, discount or special. Expires 7/2/14. - June 19 • 2014 43