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.
Jewish Laws and Thoughts Shul “etiquette:” can we honor Hashem while respecting our fellow congregants?
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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P'ninat Mishpat P'ninat Mishpat: Complaints about Contractor’s Work – part II
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 83037.1 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: Twin Foundations
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 690
D'varim Judaism’s Social Vision
Re’eh
Giving is more than an act of generosity—it is an essential part of human dignity that belongs to everyone, rich and poor alike. The ultimate goal of help is to empower others to stand on their own.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 9 - "Seeing is Believing" (parag. 21-30)
These paragraphs elaborate on the theme that seeing and knowing is better than any attempt to prove logically, and begins explaining the difference between Israel and gentiles.
Ein Aya Various Universal Stages of the Geula Process
Rav Kook examines the various stages of redemption, explaining how (in addition to the obvious oft-mentioned stages of ingathering the exiles, reviving the Hebrew language, army, state etc.) the messianic dream of world prosperity, the State of Israel and world unity can and are realistically and logically gradually coming true.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
How do we know that the "claim" of mass revelation to 2,000,000 witnesses at Mt. Sinai is really true? This important class answers all of the questions skeptics ask about this claim of the Kuzari.
Ein Aya Armies Still Necessary for Balance & the War Against Wars
Rav Kook explains why the world was originally divided into the various seemingly contradicting ideologies and cultures, in order to develop each one respectively. Swords or armies symbolize how each respective ideology defends themselves, as well as deters their opposing ideologies and cultures. On the other hand, the messianic era will be one of peace, and Rav Kook explains the transition to that stage, which mankind is already undergoing.
