parshat Korach

comparing our relationship to the Land of Israel with the relationship between a man and his wife. In keeping with the analogy presented by a famous kabbalist, encouraging all Jews to embrace our bride, the Land of Israel.

A Shiur by Rabbi Jonathan Sacks for the weekly Torah reading (in Israel) of Korach.

This week is a double-header: A few words about Korach (there was no parsha sheet last week & Korach is the parsha sheet outside of Israel; & some thoughts about Chukat, too!).

Last week we saw that in addition to excellence in Torah knowledge, a dayan needs general knowledge, including in languages (Rambam, Sanhedrin 2). In Sanhedrin 2:7, the Rambam says: “And known by your tribes” – this teaches that the spirit of people must find them pleasant. “In what way will they be loved by others? When they possess a ‘good eye,’ a low spirit, they are good friends, and their speech and transactions with people are in a way that is pleasant.”