YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Korach
The answer, of course, is power, absolute power! After achieving fame, wealth, position & influence, there is only one threshold left to conquer: the ability to make your own rules, to challenge all the norms, to flaunt the law shamelessly & to dare society to make you back down.
This, in a nutshell, is the backdrop that frames our Sedra. Korach - who was as slick as his name implies ("kerach" means "ice," and "karayach" means "bald!") - cleverly couched his insurrection in high-minded language and hyperbole. He made himself out to be a populist & an egalitarian who just believed that the "common folk" ought to share equally in the wealth. But his true and real goal was to seize control of the nation & put himself above the law – including G-d’s Law.
It didn’t take all that long for Korach's erstwhile allies to see through his facade & for dissension to set in. Pirkei Avot says "an example of a machloket that is not l’shaym shamayim is that of Korach & his entourage." But wait; shouldn’t the argument be described as being between Korach & Moshe? Well, that’s exactly the point: It soon became clear to the rebels that Korach never intended to create a "rainbow coalition" with his high-minded protest; he never planned to "split the loot."
One pretty sharp person who recognized the flim-flam man for what he was is Ohn’s wife! She took Ohn by the ear & told it like it was: "You better own up to the truth, Ohn," she reprimanded him. "You’re trapped in a no-win situation: If Korach's rebellion fails, you'll go down with him. But even if Korach prevails, he'll take all the glory and power for himself and give you nothing. So either way, you lose!" Ohn wisely swallowed his pride & left the rebel side, & so he was not among those swallowed up by the earth.
There are 2 primary lessons to be learned from the Korach caper: The first is to beware of slick snake-oil salesmen who claim to be out for your good only. The second - & most important lesson - is to always listen to your wife. As the smart shopper in the family, she usually knows who’s selling the goods - & who will sell you out.
Rabbi Stewart Weiss
Was ordained at the Hebrew Theological College in Skokie, Illinois, and led congregations in Chicago and Dallas prior to making Aliyah in 1992. He directs the Jewish Outreach Center in Ra'anana, helping to facilitate the spiritual absorption of new olim.
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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.
Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.