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Beit Midrash
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It is fascinating to note that even though there was rampant idol worship among Israel at that time (Shir Hashirim Rabba 2:3), it was specifically lashon hara that Moshe saw as the big threat to redemption, even though it is not even one of the Noahide laws and the time was, of course, before the giving of the Torah. Furthermore, there is no direct indication that others were involved in lashon hara besides the quarrelers.
Let us take a look at what Moshe had recently experienced. He left a promising career in the Egyptian aristocracy to join his brethren in the fields of slavery, which he had ostensibly escaped. He probably was aware of the miracle that had taken him from slavery and allowed him to develop relationships with powerful people in the world’s superpower. He imagined that he could influence Pharaoh to lighten the load on Israel, as he had regarding the weekly Shabbat vacation (Shemot Rabba 1:28).
However, to make the most of the opportunity, the nation needed to develop some hope and confidence. The people also had to begin ridding themselves of the impurity of Egypt, in preparation for the day they would have total freedom. Moshe felt that he was in a position to gain the nation’s confidence and take part in this process. He went out to work among his brethren, including physical labor foreign to a prince, and he gained acceptance.
The event in which he was verbally attacked awakened him, though, to a cruel realization. Even among the slaves, there were various social strata. There were people with power, who intimidated others. Those who were appointed by the Egyptians to carry out Egyptian interests also had interests of their own. No one could point out their flaws. Maybe there were a handful of such people, but they had power, and the people did not stand up to them. The people did not stop them from tattling on Moshe to the authorities even with all the hope he represented for them. As Chazal tell us, one who accuses others does so in the areas in which he is guilty. It was they, not Moshe, who wanted to impose their will on others.
Moshe saw how futile his efforts were likely to be. Everything he said would have to be cleared by the power brokers, and he would not be able to motivate the people toward real positive change. Even if these people agreed to the idea of freedom, the price would be that they would be the new generals. To replace Pharaoh with Datan and Aviram might not be so worthwhile after all.
Rabbis in Midrash
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The Land of Israel LGBT'S IN ISRAEL
The question was asked, how can one make Aliyah with the LGBT parades?
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 7 - Five Accumulative Proofs of G-d
As a preparation for the Kuzari's classic proof of G-d from the mass-revelation at Sinai, we start here with 5 other directions to strengthen our belief which also contribute to what the Kuzari will present as well.
Ein Aya Muscle & Meaning: The Dual Nature of Gevurah (Physical Strength)
Is physical strength and fitness a necessity or an ideal? Although it if often totally overlooked among topics of Judaism, Rav Kook writes that it clearly is also a necessity to deter the many enemies of Israel, but even in Y'mot HaMashiach, in the Messianic era, to a certain extent, it's ideal continues even after our enemies will have been finished off.
Chukat "HOW ENTEBBE STOLE THE BICENTENNIAL
The Difference Between Historic & Eternal"
As we approach America's 250th birthday, it's worth remembering her 200th Bicentennial birthday, on Jul. 4th 1976, when Israel "stole the show" by shocking the world & miraculously saving 101 hostages in a foreign continent. As Pres. As Pres. Trump decides which countries get priority in his new Middle-East, it's worth reminding him of the difference between historic events and eternally historic ones. This obviously connects with this week's parsha, as well!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 6 - The Parable of the King of India
The advantages of testimony over circumstantial evidence or philosophical speculation.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 5- "Proofs of G-d"
This may be the most important class of the entire book, where we finally get to the Jewish proof of the existence of G-d and truth of the Torah. We should follow His own direction where He tells us how to get to Him: through the Nation of Israel: Jewish history, Jewish prophets (and today, prophecies fulfilled), and national reward & punishment towards Am Yisrael.
Ein Aya One Humanity, One Creator, One Jerusalem
Rav Kook innovatively and beautifully explains this aggadeta where our sages say that after Jerusalem was destroyed her cinnamon fragrance is only found locked in a particular kingdom's treasury.