In the Torah Portion for this week Korach and his collaborators attack Moses and Aaron. Korach, a Levite, like Moses and Aaron, criticizes the brothers for elevating themselves into positions of leadership. Korach says, “You have gone too far! For all the community is holy and the God is in their midst. Why do you raise yourself above the God’s congregation?” (Numbers 16:3)
Korach wants to take the place of Moses. Korach is fine with the idea of a single Levite leading the people. He just wants it to be a different single Levite, himself.
Korach does not understand the source of Moses and Aaron’s status. Why should the people listen to Moses? Why should the people trust Moses? The answer, of course, is God.
Over the centuries many political leaders have claimed that their authority to rule comes from God. They argue that God made them King, therefore the people should listen to them.
In a democracy the trust that comes with political office is easily lost. We can all easily mention too many examples. So many politicians have acted so poorly that many people distrust politicians as a category.
Trust has to be earned. I am not pleased when people say, “Trust me.” Don’t say, “Trust me.” Show me I can trust you. Actual trust worthy people do not have to say, “Trust me.” People who have earned the trust that comes with their position, do not have to remind people of the position they hold.
During his political decline, Richard Nixon declared, “I am the President.” His need to make that proclamation illustrated that in fact he had lost the trust of the American public.
A parent should not have to say, “I am your father” or “I am your mother.”
When the faculty of the Hebrew Union College gave me the title rabbi they were in essence saying, “We trust you.” When people call me rabbi they express their trust in me. I am aware that I have to be worthy of the title every day.
Father’s Day was a few days ago. The information that I am the father of three, is a biological fact. The trust my children place in me has been earned.
Sometimes those who we thought were our friends disappoint us. We discover that our trust was misplaced. Or sometimes we disappoint our friends and must work to again earn their trust
Moses had an advantage we do not have. God could vouch for Moses. We have to let our deeds vouch for us.
