Parasha Korach talks about the time when Moshe’s cousins challenge his leadership and, together with another 250 members of the community, start questioning, “Why are Moshe and Aaron the ones leading us?” “Who chose them?” 

After that, Hashem proves that he chose Moshe and Aaron as leaders of the Jewish people by swallowing Moshe’s cousins in the ground, burning the 250 supporters, and the miraculous blossoming of Aaron’s staff. 

In BBYO, we also have many leadership systems in which (unlike in the parasha) the leaders are chosen by the community rather than Hashem. Most regions are having or have just had elections and are choosing their leaders for the year. We're at a time in which we are invited to celebrate democracy in BBYO and, unlike the characters in the parasha, get the chance to choose who will lead us in this next year.

This week, we’re also starting BBYO summer programs! These give us a chance to gain qualifications and to get as ready as possible to lead the movement in the coming year. If you are going on a summer program, seize the opportunity, learn as much as possible, and prepare to be the next leaders of the movement.

Parasha Korach teaches many things. One of the main messages to take away, value your democracy. In BBYO, we’re lucky enough to get the chance to lead and to choose our leaders. Don’t waste it or take it for granted.

In the coming weeks, may we enter this summer and the coming year, leading: shaped by our journeys, strengthened by our challenges, and ready for what comes next as the leaders of the future.

Shabbat Shalom BBYO, 
Amy Hornstein
BBYO Argentina

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Simchat Torah Challenge Podcast Series

Interested in listening to this week's parsha? Check out BBYO South Africa's take on Parshat Korach as a part of the Simchat Torah Challenge Podcast Series. The Simchat Torah Challenge is a yearlong journey in which teens from across the Order explore the Torah, one parsha at a time. Teens are connecting with the text, sharing their thoughts, and exploring how it relates to their own lives.