Korach – Page 13 – Peninim on the Torah

To the Leviim shall you speak… When you accept from the Bnei Yisrael the tithe… you shall raise from it a gift… your gift shall be reckoned for you like grain from the threshing floor… (18:26,27)

The Levi who receives his portion of Maaser from the Yisrael must, in turn, give Terumah to the Kohen. The Torah tells us that this Terumas Maaser is considered the same as Terumah Gedolah, which is offered by the Yisrael. Imrei Yosef cites the Zidetchoiver Rebbe, zl, who claims that this pasuk alludes to an ethical lesson for he who has been raised above his peers to be selected for spiritual leadership. One might think that it is his virtue and scholarship, his good deeds and meticulous mitzvah observance, that effected this “promotion”. The Torah tells him not to permit…

Home -> 5757 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5757

And Korach ben Yitzhar ben Kehas ben Levi separated himself. (16:1)

Korach was not simply another hatemonger who sought to usurp Moshe and Aharon as a result of intense feelings of envy. Korach was among those who “carried” the Aron Ha’kodesh. He was obviously sensitive to the fact that the Aron was in reality carrying those who attempted to carry it. It would be unrealistic to think that an individual who was so aware of Hashem should stoop to such machlokes, controversy, unless something “noble” motivated him. The Kotzker Rebbe, zl, explains that Korach sought Kehunah, He felt that he could serve Hashem better if he were a Kohen. His complete…

Home -> 5757 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5757

And he (Moshe) said to Hashem; Do not turn to their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, neither have I hurt them. (16:15)

Moshe, acting atypically, implored Hashem not to accept any form of offering whereby Korach and his henchmen could expiate their sin of rebellion. Sforno interprets Moshe Rabeinu’s demand in the following manner. Had they sinned against Hashem, then He would have pardoned them after they had atoned for their actions. Sins committed against one’s fellow man are not atoned even on Yom Kippur, unless the sinner has appeased the one whom he has wronged. Moshe disclaims receiving any benefit from them. Thus, his leadership over them was entirely for their benefit, to attend to their affairs and needs. Their criticism…

Home -> 5757 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5757

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…

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Back to Home -> Korach ->

To the Leviim shall you speak… When you accept from the Bnei Yisrael the tithe… you shall raise from it a gift… your gift shall be reckoned for you like grain from the threshing floor… (18:26,27)

And Korach ben Yitzhar ben Kehas ben Levi separated himself. (16:1)

And he (Moshe) said to Hashem; Do not turn to their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, neither have I hurt them. (16:15)

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)

YEARS

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!