B"H

Monday, Sivan 25, 5784 / July 1, 2024

Parshat Korach, which we will read this Shabbat, begins with the argument of Korach and his people against Moshe and Aaron. Korach desired a position of leadership and decided to revolt. He persuaded 250 leaders of the Jewish people to join him in this revolt against the leadership of Moshe and Aaron.

This unfortunate episode resulted in the deaths of Korach, who was swallowed into the earth, and the 250 people who were with him were burnt in a heavenly fire.

This argument brought another argument against Moshe and Aaron which resulted in the deaths of 14,700 people who died as a result of a plague.  Thus, close to 15,000 Jewish people lost their lives as a result of Korach’s rebellion against Moshe and Aaron.

Indeed one of the 613 mitzvot is the prohibition to sustain an argument. This prohibition is derived from this week’s Parsha, "And you shall not be like Korach and his company (Numbers 17:5)."

Q.How is it that the Talmud is full of arguments amongst our greatest sages? Jewish law is full of different rabbinical opinions almost on every subject?

A.The Mishna in Pirkei Avot (Chapter of our Fathers) says, “Any dispute that is for the sake of Heaven (i.e. for the sake of G-d), will have a constructive outcome; but one which is not for the sake of Heaven will not have a constructive outcome.”  The Mishna continues, “What sort of dispute was for the sake of Heaven? – The dispute between Hillel and Shamai (two great Talmudic sages).  And which was not for the sake of Heaven? – The dispute between Korach and his entire company.”  

The Talmudic argument between our great sages and scholars was an argument for the sake of Heaven. They argued how to best perform G-d’s commandments. They argued about definitions in the Torah. These were not arguments for selfish gain. But Korach and his people’s argument against Moshe was a dispute for personal gain.

When the argument is for the “sake of Heaven,” both parties are interested in discovering the truth, and if proven wrong will readily admit that the other one is right.  Korach's rebellion against Moshe was only to achieve personal gain and glory, as a result of his jealousy.

This is why in describing the dispute of Korach and his people against Moshe and Aaron, it says, “Vayikach,” which speaks in the “singular” (and he took).  It should have said “Vayikchoo” (and they took)? This is because each of them had their own personal reason to argue against Moshe.  The only thing which united them was their hatred of Moshe, except for that, they were not united, for each one had his selfish interest.

The outcome of Korach’s argument was a total loss for Korach and his colleagues.  But the Halachic arguments of our great Talmudic sages are studied and revered to this day.

HAVE A GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND VERY SUCCESSFUL DAY

UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW.