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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.
Rabbis in Midrash
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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.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.