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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.
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: Realtor’s Fee on Large Commercial Building – part I
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
(based on ruling 85031 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts)
Chemdat Yamim Moreshet Shaul: The Goal of an Agricultural Yeshiva – part I
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Based on Siach Shaul, Pirkei Machshava V’Hadracha p. 263 (address at the laying of the cornerstone of the Yeshiva Chakla’it in Kfar Haroeh)
Re'e NEVER EXTREME EXCEPT ISRAEL
Parshat Re'eh
Judaism is against extremism, so how can we understand the seemingly extreme statements found in our sages in favor of living in the Land of Israel and against living in Chutz laAretz? The article deals with the seeming contradiction between the strength of Free-Will and the strength of being influenced by our surroundings.
Ekev DANCE FOR ISRAEL- FOR YOUR BENEFIT
Parshat Eikev
Description: The 7 Haftarot we read after Tisha B'Av ("Shiva D'Nichemta") surely get us excited that they're coming TRUE, and awaken us to yearn, dance & join the return to Zion! The short article also deals with the problems and solutions facing the American Jewish community as discussed at a recent panel, as well as the question why Jews come from America to Israel to help when we face problems, but Israelis don't come to aid Jews in America when they face anti-Semitism.
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.
