Why Torah Limericks?

Over the course of the past two years, I have taken up the hobby (more of an obsession really) of writing a Limerick for every Torah weekly portion in the Jewish calendar. I'm not exactly sure WHY I have done this. But, I've enjoyed it- and from the feedback I've received on my facebook page, others have enjoyed them as well. After a few weak attempts to get them published in a book form, I've decided that I'd try out the format of a blog to share my efforts.
One of the things I've enjoyed most about the facebook posts is when others have posted their responses to my limericks with their own. Feel free to do so on this blog as well.


The rules of this blog are but few
To post, here is what you must do:
Find a rhyme exegetical
Doctrinal or heretical
Be you Christian, Muslim or Jew.


I look forward to the conversation.
LET THE LIMERICKS BEGIN!!!!!

Sunday, June 19, 2011

Korach Limerick

This week's torah portion tells the story of  Korach, who tried to wrest power from Moses along with his partners, Dotan  and Abiram and 150 other leaders of the community.  Korach says:  "You've gone too far, [Moses], for ALL of the people are holy.  Why do you raise yourself up above God's congregation?"

Ultimately, Korach and all of his followers are punished by God.  The earth opens up and swallows them alive.

Korach is the perfect model for the Demagogue - someone who uses a tiny grain of truth to paint a much broader picture that will serve his own need for power.  Like most demagogues, he is ultimately swallowed up the weight of his deception.

Korach attemped a coup
Which caused a big hullabaloo
But his plan it went south
With the earth’s opened mouth
Gulping him down and all of his crew
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2 comments:

  1. Larry KaufmanJune 19, 2011 at 7:40 PM

    I think I’ll give this one a rest.
    My efforts would not pass the test.
    Joe’s Korach endeavor
    Is pithy and clever –
    Undoubtedly one of his best.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AvieJune 20, 2011 at 10:46 AM

    How can Moses’ teachings be true?
    What if all of the fringes are blue?
    Korach picked a fight – the clod
    With a guy backed by God
    His death’s a lesson for me and for you

    ReplyDelete

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