n this week's Parsha (Korach in Israel) we read the story of Korach and his followers. Korach was a leader among the Jewish People from the tribe of Levi, a scholar and wealthy man. He ended up leading a rebellion against Moshe Rabbenu in his quest for the priesthood which was given to Aharon and his descendants.

The entire episode is difficult to understand. Why was Korach literally willing to give up everything in his quest to be a Kohen? He took actions which were seemingly illogical when it seemed very clear that G-d didn't want him to be a Kohen.

There is a lot to learn from this episode, but an important point is that each person has their place in life and in the world. A person has to recognize their place and come to terms with their reality. This is what a person needs to understand to reach the point of "being happy with his lot". Although it is very difficult for a person to know what their specific purpose is in the world I think it is much easier for them to at least understand what isn't their purpose. When we start to understand what isn't our purpose we can come much closer to being happy with our lot. Many people have dreams and ambitions which are great but a person needs to be realistic with themselves. We have to understand our abilities and lack of.

I know people who have had dreams (noble dreams) of going into certain professions and time after time they were shut out. Of course a person needs to see if they have the ability and try to achieve but at some point they need to realize that this is not what G-d wants from them. Unfortunately the people who don't come to this realization end up ruining their lives chasing a reality that isn't theirs. They need to realize that "G-d is speaking to them" He might not be clearly telling them what to do, but He is telling them what not to do.

I am sure when we all had dreams when we were children or young adults starting our careers. Some of those dreams we can look back on as childish and laugh but are we still chasing dreams or realities that aren't ours? I have no problem coming to the realization that I will not play basketball in the NBA, no matter how many hours I spent in the gym as a high school student I realized my athletic shortcomings and it certainly doesn't bother me that I never made it to the NBA. It is abundantly clear to me that it is not what G-d wanted from me in life. But what about the "adult" dreams and ambitions? What about becoming the CEO of our company, the partner at our law firm, the surgeon, the wife that seems to always have everything "together", the family with "wonderful children", the perfect father. All of these are great ambitions and dreams and a person should always strive to be their best but at the same time they must keep a dose of reality realizing that there are some things that are beyond their control no matter how much they try. When we come to realize who were aren't and stop chasing realities that are not relevant to us we can strive to be the best person we can be with the gifts G-d gave to us.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath