YeshivaThe torah world Gateway
Beit Midrash
- Sections
- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Korach
Clearly, Korach’s stature in Torah was special. One proof is from the fact that he was able to stir up such a controversy against Moshe, with the support of such prominent men. His 250 co-conspirators were described as "leaders of the congregation, those who are called to assemble, men of name" (Bamidbar 16:2). Chazal explain these distinctions – they knew how to decide on leap months and set the new month, and their names were heard throughout the world. (Sanhedrin 110a). It is inconceivable that they joined a person who was bereft of content. As people say, "Tell me who your friends are, and I will tell you who you are." Korach was a complete person, as were his friends. This indeed was Korach’s claim: "For all of the congregation are holy, and Hashem is in their midst" (Bamidbar 16:3). Was he right?
Another question needs clarification: How were Korach’s sons spared the punishments of the rest of the group (see Bamidbar 26:11)? Furthermore, they became among the psalmists of Tehillim (see Tehillim 42:1 and elsewhere)! Also, Chazal discovered that the prophet Shmuel, who was equivalent to Moshe and Aharon, descended from Korach (see Megilla 14a).
We can learn two lessons, which form two sides of one coin. Many cultures glorify their founders, leaders and heroes to the extent that they are seen as unblemished people, who never err. Tanach takes the opposite approach. The forefathers and leaders were human beings, from whom we learn a tremendous amount, but every one of them made mistakes, from which we also learn. This opens the doors for people who strive for spiritual elevation to connect to their legacies and learn from them. The greatness of great people does not come from their perfection. To the contrary, when special people make mistakes, which they will, their ability to admit them makes them even more special. Repentance provides "wings of spirit" to enable self-elevation.
The above is true regarding individual people, especially those on the highest levels. Regarding Am Yisrael as a nation-community, the more they are united, the more the "general side" is prominent. In that regard, it says: "Your nation are all righteous" (Yeshayahu 60:21) and, as Korach said, "All of the congregation are holy."
Korach, who was sure he was complete, tried to ride the wave of the claim that every Jew is holy and complete. He was, though, wrong and corruptive. Only as part of a nation were they complete, whereas as an individual it requires great work to improve, including through repentance.
Apparently, the sons of Korach never thought they were complete and did not join Korach’s "congregation of complete people." They preferred the humble Moshe, who recognized his shortcomings, and that is why they said "Moshe is true, and his Torah is true" )Bava Batra 74a). If they did join their father, they repented, and one of them had the privilege of being a forebear of the humble Shmuel.
Let us pray for leadership that follows the humble Moshe and not the "complete" Korach.
Rabbis in Midrash
Lessons
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Israel and the Nations A Few Minutes & Many Innovative Ideas on Antisemitism & What to do About It
As we approach the High Holidays, this short lecture (18 minutes) deals with the unfortunate situation of how Israel and the Jewish People stand against antisemitism, analyzing its cause according to Rav Kook, and how to deal with the issue pragmatically & via our prayers.
Ha'azinu PURSUIT is PERFECTION
p. Ha'azinu, Shabbat Shuva
Rav Kook deals with the question of the seemingly hopeless nature of Tshuva. For G-d Himself knows that He created us with free will, which inevitably means we will sometimes make mistakes and choose wrong. This can easily be frustrating, freezing us into inaction and ye'ush (loss of hope). If one sins even once, does he chalila have no choice but suicide?! Moreover, our Godly conscience demands justice, righteousness and perfection, but we all know this is impossible, so what's the solution? Rav Kook's innovative thinking, strongly based on chazal (our sages), offers an inciteful and important aspect to this topic, especially this time of year!
Sukkot Bug-Free Sukkah: Essential Halachic and Practical Schach Guide
How to inspect, clean, and store bamboo mats and palm branches to protect your mitzvah and holiday meals.
