This shabbat we are reading from Numbers 16 in the section we call Parshat Korach (http://www.mechon-mamre.org/p/pt/pt0416.htm#1).  It is the story of Korach’s rebellion and through its concise language we learn quite a bit about leadership, community organizing and the difficulties of group management.  The story is about one man who enlists the help of others to overthrow Moses’ leadership of the people of Israel.  

What I find so interesting about the story is that it so well represents the realities of human life.  Korach organizes his supporters with a well-reasoned argument that criticizes Moses for not recognizing the inherent holiness of the entire people Israel.  His argument is cogent and personal.  And, in fact, when Moses is confronted with the power of the argument he “falls on his face” in apparent grief for overstepping his bounds (this is widely disputed by the rabbis but I will speak more about this during shabbat services this week).  Never does Korach say “I think I would rather be the leader of the Children of Israel.”  Nor does he say “I can do a better job than Moses.”  No, Korach instead comes up with an argument that he believes will dethrone Moses’ power and eventually lead to Korach’s own appointment as leader of the children of Israel.  

We see this so often in everyday life.  Clever arguments are often deployed for selfish gain.  Some might call it “the art of salesmanship” and some just think of it as “persuasive arguments” but if the result is a gain for the person who is doing the arguing then there is a bit of Korach there.

Eventually God punishes Korach for his rebellion and it is clear that this kind of selfish argumentation - even if true - does not serve the community.  The true community leader does their work without regard for personal reward or recognition.  Instead they do their work most often in the background and most often without notice because they believe in a higher purpose for their work.  Finding that higher purpose without regard for personal reward is not easy but it is ultimately the task that this week’s Torah portion calls to us to accomplish.