Korach – Page 14 – Peninim on the Torah

“For the maaser (tithe) of the Bnei Yisrael … I have given to the Leviim as a heritage; therefore I have said to them, among the Bnei Yisrael they shall not inherit a heritage.” (18:24)

The Levi receives no portion in Eretz Yisrael. He is, consequently, absolved from the labor and toil involved in working the soil and other “mundane” material pursuits. He is to devote himself totally to the service of the Almighty. Hence, he receives the maaser gifts from his fellow Jews to sustain him in his spiritual vocation. In his commentary to Sefer Devarim 10:9, Rashi states that since the Leviim were set apart for the service of the Altar and are not free to plow and to sow, they are to receive a designated gift (maaser) from the house of the…

Home -> 5754 -> Korach

Sruly Schnair In Korach, 5754

“And Korach took… and they all rose up in the face of Moshe and Aharon men of renown. And they assembled against Moshe and Aharon and said to them, ‘you take too much upon you… seeing that all the congregation is holy. And Hashem is in their midst, wherefore do you lift yourselves up above the congregation of Hashem?'” (16:1,2,3)

Korach’s criticism of Moshe seemed to be a reaction to Aharon’s assuming the role of Kohen Gadol. Thus, the two main personalities involved in this machlokes, strife, were Korach and Moshe. Korach was the classic scoundrel, evil throughout. An irate man may inflict damage upon an individual person, but others may nonetheless benignly attempt to understand the source of his anger and correct him. What makes a scoundrel such as Korach contemptible is his blatant hypocrisy. He hides his evil behind a sham of piety. He unabashedly claims noble motives for his despicable act. Indeed, he impudently attempts to enlist…

Home -> 5754 -> Korach

Sruly Schnair In Korach, 5754

“Morning (tomorrow) and Hashem will make known who is his.” (16:5)

The Midrash questions Moshe’s choice of the word morning, instead of the more usual, tomorrow. They comment that Moshe told Korach, “Hashem sets boundaries in this world which you can not undo. As Hashem has separated day from night, so has He separated Bnei Yisrael from the gentile nations. Similarly, He has separated Aharon from His people. When you will be able to reverse the distinction set by Hashem between day and night, then you will also be able to reverse the separation between Aharon and the rest of Bnei Yisrael. In this vein, referring to the pasuk, and it…

Home -> 5754 -> Korach

Sruly Schnair In Korach, 5754

“You take too much upon you, o’ Bnei Levi.” (16:7)

Rashi asks, “Korach was a wise and prudent fellow. Why did he commit this folly? His eye deceived him, for he foresaw that great progeny was destined to descend from him, namely Shmuel Ha’Navi. Shmuel Ha’Navi weighs against Moshe and Aharon in terms of greatness. Korach said, ‘In his merit, I will be saved.’” We may question Rashi‘s use of the use of the singular nouns “his eye deceived him.” Didn’t Korach have two eyes? Horav Boruch Sorotzkin z.l. explains that when one “looks” at something, he should perceive it from all angles. He should examine it with both eyes,…

Home -> 5754 -> Korach

Sruly Schnair In Korach, 5754

“And he (Moshe) said to Hashem, ‘respect not their offering not one donkey from them have I taken.'” (16:15)

Rashi explains Moshe’s entreaty to Hashem. Moshe angrily said that he had never once benefitted materially from his position as leader of Klal Yisrael. Indeed, when he brought his wife and sons from Midyan to Egypt, he did not allow himself to utilize a donkey belonging to the people to transport them. Although he could have justified taking a “communal” means of transportation, he used only his own means of travel. This is vexing. What difference would it have made if he had used one of the people’s donkeys to carry out his mission? Is it not perfectly acceptable today…

Home -> 5753 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5753

“And Korach took.” (16:1)

The Targum Onkelos interprets Korach’s “taking” as “and Korach separated (himself).” The Sfas Emes applies this concept in the following manner. In Tana D’vei Eliyahu 25, Chazal teach that one must always strive to attain the standard established by his ancestors. He must always ask himself, “When will my actions reach those of my ancestors?” One who is consistent in this self-expectation demonstrates the motivation which is so essential for continued spiritual development. The Sefas Emes cites R’ Simcha Bunim of Paschischa who states that the behavior of a Jew must be in consonance with that of the Jews throughout…

Home -> 5753 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5753

“And Korach took.” (16:1)

Korach’s downfall at least partially originated in his own logistic approach to Torah law. His lack of respect for Moshe, which was a result of his overwhelming jealousy, caused him to judge right and wrong without consulting his teachers. This divergence from the halachic process contributed to Korach’s total rejection of the Torah way. Rashi cites an example of Korach’s distorted approach to Torah law. He clad his followers in garments made entirely of techeles, blue wool. They came before Moshe, questioning if a garment made entirely of blue wool requires tzitzis. Moshe undoubtedly responded that tzitzis is a requirement…

Home -> 5753 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5753

“And Korach took . . . and Dasan and Aviram . . . the sons of Reuven.” (16:1)

Rashi notes that the Torah mentions Dasan and Aviram’s lineage. He explains that, since the tribe of Reuven encamped on the south in close proximity to Korach, they developed an association with Korach. This relationship enabled their involvement in Korach’s dispute. This seems puzzling. Throughout their sojourn in the wilderness, we find Dasan and Aviram described as Moshe’s archenemies who instigated every incursion. Their incessant bickering and complaining resulted in many tragic consequences. Horav Chaim Elazary, z.l., suggests the following difference between the insurgent attitude of Korach and Dasan and Aviram’s orientation. Even though Dasan and Aviram undoubtedly exhibited flagrant…

Home -> 5753 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5753

“And Korach took.” (16:1) – “For all the congregation is holy.” (16:3)

Referring to the controversy stimulated by Korach and his henchman, the Mishnah in Avos (5:20) remarks, “Any controversy that is L’shem Shomayim” (for the sake of heaven) will have a constructive outcome. Which controversy is considered L’shem Shomayim? This is the controversy between Hillel and Shamai. And which is considered not L’shem Shomayim? This is the controversy of Korach and his entire company.” The Malbim questions the use of “Korach and his company” as a paradigm of a “machlokes she’lo l’shem shomayim.” Surely there were other infamous conflicts more appropriate to be mentioned. The disputes surrounding the lack of water…

Home -> 5753 -> Korach

Rabbi L. Scheinbaum In Korach, 5753

“An eternal covenant of salt.” (18:19)

How is Hashem’s gift of the priestly blessings to Aharon and his sons to be compared to a covenant of salt? Rashi presents an analogy. Just as salt does not rot– and even acts as a preserving agent for many things — so, too, this covenant maintains its virility in order to preserve Aharon’s dynasty forever. Horav D. Feinstein, Shlita, derives a powerful implication from this pasuk. Even if some Kohanim deviate from the prescribed path of service to Hashem, some will always stalwartly uphold the covenant. Thus, just as salt never rots, maintaining its ability to preserve foods, so,…

You have Successfully Subscribed!

Back to Home -> Korach ->

“For the maaser (tithe) of the Bnei Yisrael … I have given to the Leviim as a heritage; therefore I have said to them, among the Bnei Yisrael they shall not inherit a heritage.” (18:24)

“Morning (tomorrow) and Hashem will make known who is his.” (16:5)

“You take too much upon you, o’ Bnei Levi.” (16:7)

“And he (Moshe) said to Hashem, ‘respect not their offering not one donkey from them have I taken.'” (16:15)

“And Korach took.” (16:1)

“And Korach took.” (16:1)

“And Korach took . . . and Dasan and Aviram . . . the sons of Reuven.” (16:1)

“And Korach took.” (16:1) – “For all the congregation is holy.” (16:3)

“An eternal covenant of salt.” (18:19)

YEARS

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

You have Successfully Subscribed!