Korach – Page 11 – Peninim on the Torah

“Korach took/separated himself.” (16:1)

What caused Korach, a distinguished leader in Klal Yisrael, to alienate himself to the degree that he fell to such a nadir of iniquity? The Bais Yisrael comments that these two words, Vayikach Korach, “Korach took,” says it all. Korach’s approach to life was defined by “taking.” It was his goal; it was his raison d’etre. He took in gashmiyus, materialism, becoming one of Klal Yisrael’s wealthiest men. He also wanted to take in ruchniyus, spirituality. He was an oveid Hashem, one who serves Hashem, with great diligence. Among the carriers of the Aron Ha’kodesh, he represented the spiritual elite of…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5762

“And On ben Peles.” (16:1)

The Midrash teaches us that On ben Peles was saved as a result of listening to his wife. She asked him, “What do you gain by being involved in this dispute? Regardless of who triumphs, you still emerge as the loser. If Aharon is selected as Kohen Gadol – you will be his student. If Korach becomes the Kohen Gadol – you are still nothing more than a student. Why involve yourself in a ‘no win’ situation?” On’s wife spoke with seichel, common sense. Is this a reason to praise her? Basically, she only did what any level-headed person would do….

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5762

“They stood/arose before Moshe.” (16:2)

Targum Yonasan adds, V’kamu b’chutzpah, “They arose with insolence.” How does the pasuk imply that they acted with chutzpah, impudence, towards Moshe Rabbeinu? On the contrary, the pasuk clearly states that they arose for him. Maharitz gives a pragmatic explanation, one that teaches us a profound lesson of the definition of chutzpah. He explains that knowing that Moshe was coming, they arose before he came, so that they would not have to get up for him. They refused to demonstrate any derech eretz, respect, for Moshe, so they were already standing when Moshe came. This is considered standing up with chutzpah….

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5762

“And it (the earth) swallowed them and their households, and all the people who were with Korach.” (16:32)

Korach’s sons repented at the very last moment, so they did not die. They were originally involved in the dispute, but they later saw the light. Korach, however, was too embroiled, too involved in himself, to be saved. He went down in infamy. Yet, I think there is something to be derived from this thought: Korach could not have been all that bad. Apparently, if his children repented, then there had to have been a value system at home that was spiritually correct. They had to have been raised correctly. Horav Avigdor HaLevi Nebentzhal, Shlita, cites the Arizal, who takes the…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5761

“Korach, son of Yitzhar, son of Kehas, son of Levi separated himself.” (16:1)

Rashi observes that in detailing Korach’s lineage the Torah does not mention Yaakov Avinu. It stops at Levi. He explains that Yaakov implored for mercy that the Torah not mention his name in regard to the dispute. Yaakov sought to distance himself as far as possible from any vestige of controversy. We must endeavor to understand this request. It is common knowledge that Levi is Yaakov’s son. Therefore, when the Torah mentions Levi, it is clearly referring to Yaakov by extension. What did Yaakov accomplish by excluding specific mention of his name? Horav Zev Weinberger, Shlita, explains that Yaakov’s life…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5761

“Korach, son of Yitzchar, son of Kehas, son of Levi separated himself.” (16:1)

So begins one of the most tragic sagas in Jewish history, one that regrettably still plagues us to this very day. Machlokes, strife, controversy, dispute, political in-fighting: these are all words that describe the state of affairs which Korach and his followers have catalyzed in every generation. We can never free ourselves of dispute. At times, it is l’shem Shomayim, sincere, for the sake of Heaven: to promote observance, to stamp out religious incursion, to challenge those who would undermine and disgrace Torah and its disseminators. For the most part, however, it is petty, self-serving controversy. It is usually…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5761

“Moshe heard and fell on his face.” (16:4)

What did Moshe hear that agitated him so? In the Talmud Sanhedrin 110a, Chazal say that he heard that rumors were being spread about him. They suspected him of infidelity, of having relations with an eishes ish, a married woman. Indeed, as Chazal continue, it was not just a married woman, it was many married women. Every man suspected his wife of being with Moshe. We must attempt to grasp this utter foolishness. How could intelligent human beings conjure up such an absurd claim against an individual whose devotion to them – whose piety, virtue and spiritual status – was…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5761

“Is it not enough that you have brought us up from a land flowing with milk and honey to cause us to die in the wilderness?” (16:13)

Korach was not a fool. Yet, everything that he asserted could not be the words of a smart man. To attempt to usurp Klal Yisrael’s leadership – is audacious and foolish. To malign Moshe and Aharon – constitutes brazen disrespect. To refer to a land that was the source of so much suffering, persecution and death as a land flowing with milk and honey – is downright insane! Korach was neither foolish nor insane. He was mistaken. He misled himself. Where did he go wrong? What led him to act in a way so inconsistent with his own character? Horav…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5761

“It is an eternal covenant of salt before Hashem.” (18:19)

Rashi explains that Hashem entered into a covenant with Aharon HaKohen. He called it by the name of something which is “healthy” – meaning it does not spoil – and which makes others “healthy” – meaning it preserves other things from spoiling. Salt’s unique properties; its own “health,” and ability to preserve the “health” of others make it the symbol of the covenant. It is a well-known and accepted fact that the study of Torah has a lasting effect on a person. The question that, regrettably, has been the source of contention is: does the study of Torah influence others…

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Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5760

“Korach, son of Yitzhar, son of Kehas, son of Levi separated himself.” (16:1)

Rashi observes that in detailing Korach’s lineage the Torah does not mention Yaakov Avinu. It stops at Levi. He explains that Yaakov implored for mercy that the Torah not mention his name in regard to the dispute. Yaakov sought to distance himself as far as possible from any vestige of controversy. We must endeavor to understand this request. It is common knowledge that Levi is Yaakov’s son. Therefore, when the Torah mentions Levi, it is clearly referring to Yaakov by extension. What did Yaakov accomplish by excluding specific mention of his name? Horav Zev Weinberger, Shlita, explains that Yaakov’s life…

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“Korach took/separated himself.” (16:1)

“And On ben Peles.” (16:1)

“They stood/arose before Moshe.” (16:2)

“And it (the earth) swallowed them and their households, and all the people who were with Korach.” (16:32)

“Korach, son of Yitzhar, son of Kehas, son of Levi separated himself.” (16:1)

“Korach, son of Yitzchar, son of Kehas, son of Levi separated himself.” (16:1)

“Moshe heard and fell on his face.” (16:4)

“Is it not enough that you have brought us up from a land flowing with milk and honey to cause us to die in the wilderness?” (16:13)

“It is an eternal covenant of salt before Hashem.” (18:19)

“Korach, son of Yitzhar, son of Kehas, son of Levi separated himself.” (16:1)

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