Korach - An Obstinate People

In the parsha that bears his name, Korach leads a rebellion against Moshe rabenu. He is joined by Dathan and Aviram plus another 250 dignitaries. The rebellion had broad support among the general population. Korach covets the position of high priest because of its high status and his intention is to seize the position from Aharon. The 250 dignitaries are mainly from the tribe of Levy. Their intention is to abolish the position of high priest and have its functions broadly distributed, which would allow them to perform these functions as well.

Dathan and Aviram are simply troublemakers and rebels. If somebody wants them to do something they do the opposite, especially if it will arouse anger. The people of Israel do not particularly care about Korach one way or another, nor are greatly interested in performing the duties of the Cohen gadol. However the rebelliousness, obstinateness, and shrill language of of Dathan and Aviram does have broad appeal.

Korach and the 250 men are given their opportunity to compete against Aharon concern. All are to bring incense at the Tabernacle and HaKadosh Baruch Hu will choose the one He favors. Moshe tries to discuss the issues with Dathan and Aviram. Their response is to refuse to meet Moshe and instead to heap insults on him. HaKadosh Baruch Hu unsurprisingly chooses Aharon. He also burns to death the 250 pretenders. Korach, Dathan, and Aviram are swallowed up by the earth in a miracle that confirms their wickedness.

The reaction of the people is to accuse Moshe of killing the congregation of Hashem and to demonstrate against him. Hashem is ready to kill them all, but is calmed down when Aharon properly makes an incense offering. Going the extra mile HaKadosh Baruch Hu has the chief of each of the twelve tribes with Aharon representing Levy put their staffs into the Mishkan. The staff of G-d’s choice will bloom. The next day in front of everyone Aharon’s staff flowers and produces fruit. The reaction of the nation is to act like fools and big babies. They do end their antics and the rebellion is over.

The lesson is that there is a strong evil inclination to be provocative and obstinate. It can clothe itself in some sort of grievance which may or may not have some truth in it. Other times it masquerades as religion when in fact it is blatant denial or even worse a sacrilege. Rather a person should be polite, articulate, and accommodating. The Torah gives us Korach as a bad example and we should study him well so that we shouldn't be like him or his congregation. The good example is Aharon the Cohen Gadol as it is written in Ethics of our Fathers (1:12), “Hillel says be like the students of Aharon love peace, chase after peace, love the creation, and bring them close to Torah”.

לע"נ  האמא מלכה בת חיים ז"ל נלב"ע טז ניסן תשנ"ח

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