June 16, 2007 30 Sivan 5767 Rabbi Mark S. Diamond Executive Vice President The Board of Rabbis of Southern California Torah Portion: Korah ("Korah…"), Numbers 16:1-18:32 Maftir Portion for Rosh Hodesh (New Month): Numbers 28:9-15 Haftarah Portion (Shabbat Rosh Hodesh): Isaiah 66:1-24 Have you ever noticed that one of the differences between churches and synagogues is the signage? Jewish congregations rarely advertise their rabbis' sermon topics or put pithy messages on the bulletin boards and signs dotting their property. Most Christian congregations follow a different approach, informing pedestrians and motorists who pass by their churches what the preacher will be addressing in his/her Sunday sermon. In addition, their property often features large banners and signs with phrases meant to inspire observers and make them reflect upon their faith and their lives. I enjoy and appreciate these messages, and one of them comes to mind as I read and reread this week's Torah portion. An imposing sign sponsored by a mega-church boldly proclaims: "Stop blaming your mom and dad. Please grow up!" Blame and responsibility loom large in the narrative of the uprising of Korah and his fellow rebels, the highlight (or lowlight) of the weekly parashah. The rebels blame Moses for assuming too much authority. They blame their leader for taking them out of Egypt (ironically described by them as a "land flowing with milk and honey") into the wilderness. They blame Moses for every woe, small and large, in their lives. As the Torah reading unfolds, Moses lets God deal with Korah and his associates in rather dramatic fashion. Had I been one of Moses' advisors, I would have counseled him to take a different approach. Perhaps Moses should have turned to the malcontents and thundered: "Stop blaming me! Stop blaming your elders! Stop blaming your parents! Please grow up!" We live in a world in which blame has become chic and fashionable. We blame our parents when we become immature adults. We blame our principals and teachers when we produce uneducated graduates. We blame our elected officials when we turn out unmotivated citizens. These days, everyone seems to have a convenient excuse for their misconduct, someone else upon whom to heap blame, guilt and accountability. Parashat Korah teaches us that it's time we stopped blaming everyone else. It's time we started growing up, and assume our fair share of responsibility for repairing our lives and our world.Shabbat Shalom