This week’s Torah portion begins with the infamous rebellion led by Korach against his cousins, Moses and Aaron, claiming that the two of them had usurped power from the rest of the Jewish people. Korach, motivated by jealousy and a desire for honor, rejected Moses’ authority and claimed that the appointment of Aaron as Kohen Gadol (Head Kohen) was motivated by nepotism. Korach cleverly persuaded 250 judges and others from disaffected groups to become his followers in the rebellion. A frequent theme in the Torah is: Sooner or later G-d always gets the last word. In Korach’s case, it was sooner. What was the result of the rebellion? G-d made the earth open up to swallow Korach, the ringleaders of the rebellion, and their families. Fire consumed the remainder of the 250 rebels. The story of Korach’s rebellion concludes with an act of reconciliation — and surprisingly, a U.S. Presidential reference. The staffs of the leaders of the 12 tribes were placed near the Ark of the Covenant. To prove that the tribe of Levi and Aaron was Divinely chosen, Aaron’s staff sprouted leaves, almond blossoms and even almonds. I suppose you could say that this miracle made Aaron ….Chief of Staff!