Korach – Peninim on the Torah

“And the earth covered them over, and they were lost from among the congregation.” (16:33)

The commentators offer various explanations for Korach’s bizarre punishment. The Kol Yehudah gives a rationale based upon an incident that occurred with the Ohr Same’ach. Once, two litigants came before the Ohr Same’ach with a din Torah, dispute, regarding a piece of land. Each one claimed that the entire parcel of land belonged to him. Of course, neither one had witnesses to attest to the veracity of his claim. The rav was having a difficult time resolving the dispute. Finally, he said to both people, “You will each have to compromise in order to resolve the issue.” They were extremely…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5756

“For the entire assembly, all of them are holy and Hashem is among them.” (16:3)

The tzaddik is always under scrutiny. There are always individuals who seek to criticize the spiritual leaders of their community and — in many cases — their entire generation. David Ha’Melech says in Sefer Tehillim 106 ‘s ase irvtk vbjnc vank utbehu. This is the method used by baalei machlok’es, those who get their “nourishment” from promoting conflict. If the tzaddik lives an austere and secluded lifestyle, devoting his life to Torah study and virtue, the people say, “What benefit do we derive from our tzaddik? He secludes himself from everyone. Conversely, if he is community-minded and responds to the…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5756

“It is too much for you. For the entire assembly, all of them are holy and Hashem is among them; why do you exalt yourselves over the congregation of Hashem?” (16:3)

Korach and his followers justified their actions in a self- serving manner. It is not unusual for the individuals who instigate conflict, who attempt to undermine every holy endeavor, to paint themselves as paragons of virtue and righteousness. In a departure from the standard interpretation, the Ksav Sofer takes a satirical approach to this pasuk. Lay people commonly assess that the rav or spiritual professional who serves his community is fortunate to live in a city such as theirs, with community members who are as righteous and decent as they are. Indeed, if the rav had not been serving in…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5756

“And Korach took/separated himself… They gathered together against Moshe and Aharon.” (16:1,3)

Korach is one of the most tragic figures in the Torah. He had such amazing potential for achievement. In fact, he was one of those who participated in carrying the Aron Ha’Kodesh. This distinction, together with the massive wealth he had accumulated, was still not sufficient to quell his feelings of envy, his lust for power. Chazal refer to Korach’s incursion as “shtus,” foolishness. We would assume that a man who carried the Aron would know better. Did he not know that the Aron was not carried by its carriers, but that actually the Aron supported itself, as well as…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5756

“And Korach took.” (16:1)

What incited Korach to challenge Moshe and Aharon? Indeed, Chazal characterize his behavior as “shtus,” an act of sheer stupidity. They say that he had a vision of his future descendants, among whom was Shmuel Ha’Navi. This was the source of his downfall. He assumed that if such virtuous scholars would descend from him, then he himself must be intrinsically virtuous. Chazal state that his mistake stemmed from his lack of awareness that his sons had repented during the last few moments. What lesson can we derive from Korach’s error? Horav Baruch Ezrachi, Shlita, cites the Midrash in Vayikra that…

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“And the earth covered them over, and they were lost from among the congregation.” (16:33)

“For the entire assembly, all of them are holy and Hashem is among them.” (16:3)

“It is too much for you. For the entire assembly, all of them are holy and Hashem is among them; why do you exalt yourselves over the congregation of Hashem?” (16:3)

“And Korach took/separated himself… They gathered together against Moshe and Aharon.” (16:1,3)

“And Korach took.” (16:1)

YEARS

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