This weeks Parasha tells us about the rebellion of Korach.

I found a beautiful insight week in book written by Rabbi Zelig Plisken called "love your neighbor". I`d like to share it with you.

 

    Korach tried to arouse others to rebel against Moshe.  He protested that Moshe was taking too much glory and power for himself and his brother Aharon "the whole congregation is holy and G-d is among them" said Korach. He tried to give the impression that he was interested in equality and the welfare of the entire nation.  But Rashi sites the Midrash Tanchum in which it is explained that Korach rebelled again Moshe because he was jealous of the prince-ship of Elitzafan son of Uziel. Moshe had, under Hashem's command appointed Elitzafan as leader of the family of Kehat.  Korach, however said, " my father was one of four sons. Amram was the first born and his sons received the priesthood and kingship.  On whose shoulders should the next honor devolve?  Surly it is I, the son of Yitzhar who was second to Amram!!  Yet, Moshe appointed that Elizafan whose father was the youngest brother.  Therefore I will rebel and nullify his words. 

 

    From here we see a fundamental principal that applies to many disputes.  Quite often the person who incites the dispute is motivated by the desire for personal gain.  In order to attract followers, however, he claims that he is interested in the good of others. (sometimes he can even fool himself! ). We must be aware of this tendency so that we will not be misled people who desire a dispute. 

 

Let us all try to keep on mind that the harm that we inflict on ourselves with every argument and may the outcome of this be the redemption of the Jewish people.

 

Shabbat Shalom

Rabbi Steve Haber