Korach – Page 13 – Peninim on the Torah

And Korach gathered the entire assembly. (16:19)

Korach is recorded in history as the archetype of the baal machlokes, one who generates strife and contention. We may wonder what distinguished Korach in this area. After all, he was not the first person in the Torah who was involved in strife. Did not Kayin fight with his brother? And the list goes on from there. We suggest that while Korach was not the first person to argue with others, he was the first to start a movement founded in contention, whose goal was to usurp the leadership of Klal Yisrael. It is one thing to disagree, even to…

Home -> 5757 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5757

And the earth opened up its mouth and it swallowed them…and all the men that belonged to Korach. (16:32)

All those who joined Korach in his conflict met their end tragically. Korach’s sons, however, did not die. As Sforno comments, “They were not drawn after him in the matter.” It seems strange that such a charismatic demagogue as Korach had no permanent influence upon his children. Chazal assert that Korach was imbued with the ability to see the future. Therefore, he was secure in his success, since he foresaw his noble descendants. Ostensibly, Korach’s ability was limited. He saw the tzaddikim that would be his progeny, but he did not see his own disaster. In any event, what happened…

Home -> 5757 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5757

On the next morning…and behold the staff of Aharon had blossomed it brought forth a blossom, sprouted a bud and almonds ripened. (17:23)

Finally, the people were privy to clear, unequivocal truth – Aharon was Hashem’s choice for Kohen Gadol. Alas, the miracle of Aharon’s staff occurred after Korach and his followers met their terrible end — and over fourteen thousand Jews perished in a plague. Would it not have been more advantageous that the miracle of Aharon’s selection take place in the presence of his detractors, so that they could witness the truth? Perhaps it would have inspired them to repent. Such action might have circumvented the ensuing tragedy. Obviously, proof would have had little or no effect upon Korach and his…

Home -> 5756 -> Korach

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…

Home -> 5756 -> Korach

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…

Home -> 5756 -> Korach

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…

Home -> 5756 -> Korach

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…

Home -> 5756 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5756

“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…

Home -> 5755 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5755

“And Korach took … they gathered together against Moshe and Aharon and they said to them, ‘It is too much for you … why do you exalt yourselves over the congregation of Hashem?'” (16:1,3)

Korach’s rebellion stands alone as the most vicious rebellion against Rabbinic authority. Korach’s attempt to usurp the leadership of Klal Yisrael from Moshe in order to undermine Divine authority over Klal Yisrael established his reputation as the paradigmatic baal machlo’kes, one who initiates conflict. What rationale can we find to explain Korach’s reprehensible behavior ? Chazal teach us that Korach maintained a prominent position in the hierarchy of the Leviim. His traits were a combination of superior qualities which few people could emulate. Descending from the family of Kehas, the most distinguished of the Levite families, he had an illustrious…

Home -> 5755 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5755

“And it was on the next day… and behold the staff of Aharon of the House of Levi, had blossomed, it brought forth a blossom, sprouted a bud and almonds ripened.” (17:23)

Immediately following the premature deaths of Korach and his band of evildoers, Hashem commanded Moshe to collect twelve staffs, representing each of the twelve tribes and place it before the Aron Ha’Kodesh. Hashem caused a miracle to occur which would certainly convince the skeptical Jews that Hashem was ultimately in charge. It was Hashem who chose Moshe and Aharon as leaders. It was He who directed the affairs of the world. Demonstrating his choice of Aharon for the position of Kohen Gadol, Hashem miraculously caused Aharon’s staff to blossom and sprout buds and almonds. It seems strange that Hashem did…

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Back to Home -> Korach ->

And Korach gathered the entire assembly. (16:19)

And the earth opened up its mouth and it swallowed them…and all the men that belonged to Korach. (16:32)

On the next morning…and behold the staff of Aharon had blossomed it brought forth a blossom, sprouted a bud and almonds ripened. (17:23)

“And Korach took.” (16:1)

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

“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)

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

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

“And Korach took … they gathered together against Moshe and Aharon and they said to them, ‘It is too much for you … why do you exalt yourselves over the congregation of Hashem?'” (16:1,3)

“And it was on the next day… and behold the staff of Aharon of the House of Levi, had blossomed, it brought forth a blossom, sprouted a bud and almonds ripened.” (17:23)

YEARS

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!