From the Rabbi:
Now Korah, son of Izhar son of Kohath son of Levi, betook himself, along with Dathan and Abiram sons of Eliab, and On son of Peleth—descendants of Reuben, to rise up against Moses, together with two hundred and fifty Israelites, chieftains of the community, chosen in the assembly, men of repute (Numbers 16:1-2).
In this week's Parsha, Korach, a member and leader of the tribe of Levi took a group of 250 important people to rebel against Moshe and Aaron.
The Ibn Ezra explains why 250 people of stature would agree to follow Korach and take part in an uprising against Moshe and Aaron? He explains that they believed that it was Moshe’s decision (not God’s) to take the job of working in the Mishkan (Tabernacle) away from the bechorim (first born sons of every tribe) and transfer it to the Kohanim (priests) immediately after the sin of the golden calf. They were under the false impression that Moshe did this on purpose in order to give preference to his own family members.
Furthermore, the Leviim (members of the tribe of Levi) were upset that they were chosen to be subservient to the Kohanim (Aharon, Moshe’s brother and his children). The tribe of Reuven felt that they were deprived of their birthright which was transferred to Joseph’s descendants. They suspected that Yehoshua favored (or would go on to favor) his own tribe (Ephraim, son of Joseph) over the other tribes.
Ramban explains that Korach strategically did not incite rebellion after the sin of the golden calf. Rather, he waited until after the Jewish people were punished in Taverah (where they complained for no apparent reason), Kivrot HaTeavah (where they lusted for meat) and the sin of the spies where they were condemned to death in the wilderness. At this point, the nation felt at their worst and Korach used the opportunity to blame all of their troubles on Moshe and Aaron even though ultimately all of these decisions were made by God.
Perhaps one of Korach's faults was that he blamed all of the nation’s problems on the current leadership. It is all too easy to do so. This is a reminder to us to be careful in casting blame in one brush stroke on other individuals, groups, leaders, or politicians. Rabbi Riskin would say that "things are complex" stressing that we shouldn't take things at face value, recognize that there are often many forces at play and reflect deeply before coming to conclusions. May we take the lesson of Korach of what not to do and use it to bring greater peace and harmony in our lives.
Shabbat Shalom!
Upcoming Classes
NOTE: Wednesday's class is being paused until further notice.
Saturday at 8:00 pm - Pirkei Avot (Ethics of the Fathers)
Sunday at 7:00 pm - KOT Beit Midrash
Tuesday at 1:00 pm - Parsha Conversations
Wednesday at 7:30 pm - Teachings of Rabbi Sacks
