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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 8- "Answering Questions on the Kuzari's Proof from Mass Revelation
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
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.
