parshat Korach

Though seemingly separate, the narratives of Korach and the Spies are deeply intertwined through shared linguistic and thematic motifs. Together, they reveal a profound opposition to ascending to the Land of Israel and to Moses' spiritual authority—themes especially relevant in our times.

The Prophet Shmuel is the "cause" for the uprising by Korah and his gang. But if we look more deeply, we will see that Shmuel is also the rectification of Korah's sin! How so?

When we are commanded about wearing tzitzis, the Torah includes two mitzvos. In addition to the mitzvah of wearing tzitzis threads on the corners of the garment, there is an additional mitzvah that some of the tzitzis threads should be dyed with a special dye called techeiles. (There is a dispute among the Rishonim how many of the tzitzis threads are to be dyed techeiles.) This dye must be made from a species called chilazon (Tosefta Menachos 9:6).