Our Important Jobs
Yael Eckstein | July 8, 2024
Abiram, sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—became insolent… — Numbers 16:1
Each week in synagogue, Jews read through the Torah from Genesis to Deuteronomy. The Torah portion for this week is Korach, which means “Korah,” from Numbers 16:1–18:32.
As President and CEO of The Fellowship, I have a highly visible profile. People know me because of the job I do. They see me welcoming new immigrants to Israel who have arrived on Fellowship aliyah flights. They see me visiting elderly Holocaust survivors to bring them lifesaving food and medicine. I interact with government officials and media on behalf of the people we serve.
I love my job. I love being able to help all these people and bring Christians and Jews together for God’s purposes. But it’s the job I do behind the scenes that is truly most important to me. That’s the job of being a wife, a mother to my four beautiful children, being a daughter, sister, and a friend.
And, as is so often the case for everyone, the most important jobs are the ones that people don’t see.
The Jobs that are Important
This week’s Torah portion opens with the infamous rebellion of Korah and his followers. Three men, aside from Korah, are singled out in the first verse: “Dathan and Abiram… and On son of Peleth.” Interestingly, while we hear plenty about Dathan and Abiram in the following verses, nothing more is said about On. What was his fate?
According to Jewish tradition, it was On’s wife who acted powerfully upon his behalf. She reasoned with him to reconsider serving Korah. She gave him a strong drink, so he was asleep when Korah’s men came to get him. And finally, she prayed for her husband’s life to be spared, and her prayer was answered.
So it might seem strange that the story of On’s wife isn’t recorded in the Bible, but that’s exactly the point. The world is often moved by those behind the scenes. It’s the mother who encourages her child. The wife who advises her husband well. The friend who supports another friend during a hard time. The teacher who inspires a student who goes on to do great things.
Like the wind that goes unseen but powerfully blows a ship towards its destination, we can quietly and humbly support our loved ones and help them to become all that they can. Those are the most important jobs!
Your Turn:
Think of the people in your life who have acted behind the scenes to encourage and help you. Take time to send them a note of thanks!