Peace of Parsha Korach : June 19, 2012 : Dr. Laura Danoff

Korach was a 1^st cousin of Moshe, a member of the tribe of Levi and was considered one of the greatest men of his generation. When he decided to challenge Moshe’s leadership with the aim of replacing Aharon as Koden Gadol he brought down himself and his entire family. Korach was obsessively jealous of Moshe and Aharon’s leadership. He organized 250 leaders of the nation to rebel against Moshe and Aharon. Korach argued that Moshe was guilty of greed and nepotism. Korach’s followers were mostly from the neighboring tribe of Reuven who was easily convinced since Reuven lost the 1^st born privileges after the sin of the Golden Calf.

The opening words of the parsha “Vayikach Korach- and Korach took” could be interpreted to mean that Korach’s life was focused on taking rather than giving which never allowed him to have peace of heart. Rashi says that Korach “took himself” meaning he separated himself from the Jewish community and attempted to take power for himself.

Dathan and Aviram sons of Eliav and On, son of Peleth, were the 1^st to participate in Korach’s rebellion. Moshe tried to reason with them. They claimed the right of leadership based on their descent from Reuven, the oldest son of Ya’acov. He said, “In the morning (boker) Haskehm will make known…” The word “boker” which means morning is related to the word “bikoves” which means “to clarify, to investigate.” So we learn from Moshe that re-thinking everything and examining ones’ motivations until morning helps us from making quick and poor decisions. Unfortunately, Korach and his followers remained stubborn.

Moshe didn’t give up but sent for Dathan and Aviram to make peace. When this failed, Moshe himself humbly went to Dasan and Aviram. Moshe teaches us to pursue peace and never to stand on ceremony when arguments and contention exist within one’s family or community. One should learn control and patience and be the 1^st to extend the hand of peace. In Shmoneh Esrai, we take 3 steps back when we recite “Oseh Shalom.” This reminds us for the sake of peace one often has to back off even at the cost of his own pride.

On, son of Peleth was the only man among the rebels whose life was saved. The Midrash gives all the credit to his wife. She convinces him that his participation in the rebellion would be to no value. Korach’s wife on the other hand reinforced his poor decision. The Midrash states in the words of Proverbs (14:1) “a wise woman builds her house, but a foolish woman destroys it with her own hands.”

Korach’s heart was consumed with jealousy. Korach came from the tribe of Levi, and was extremely accomplished, brilliant and the wealthiest man of his time. Korach’s wealth (he discovered one of the 3 treasure stores that Yosef had accumulated for Pharoh during the 7 years of plenty) gave him a sense of arrogance, which influenced him to want political power as well. As King Solomon wrote: “He that thirsts in his riches shall fall” (Proverbs 11:28).

So from Korach we learn that jealousy is absolutely self-destructive. The malicious feelings that are created when one is envious will not change our own situation but inhibit us from appreciating all that we do have. Superficially, the grass will always appear to be greener on the other side. We should examine our lives and develop our own potential and our own unique selves for which G-d created us.

This Peace of Parsha is dedicated to our daughter Yael in honor of her birthday! May you continue to enjoy all of Hashem’s blessings and recognize the beauty and uniqueness of the gifts you possess!

Shabbat Shalom!