parshat Korach

Korach’s argument presupposes that it is the reason behind the Law and not the Law itself that is ultimately binding. Moses, on the other hand, derives the law matter-of-factedly, the reason behind it playing no role in its obligatoriness.

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