The revolt of Korach was a relatively small affair that had big implications. The amount of people involved was quite small; yet the revolt left a major impression on Jewish history. Korach and his companions became archetypes of the wrong type of leadership and some commentators even learnt that there was a negative mitzvah of the Torah, not to act like Korach and his company. One clue to a reason for the importance of this incident, lies in a dialogue that has puzzled commentators through the ages. At the height of the trouble G-d reveals Himself and threatens to destroy the whole people. Moses points out, quite reasonably, that only a few have sinned, so why should all be punished? G-d then acquiesces to this plan and destroys the troublemakers. How can we understand this incident? It would appear that G-d never really intended to destroy everyone, as He certainly understood Moses’ argument from the beginning. He was instead making the point that the people were indeed in danger of destruction through the actions of a few. Even though the trouble was caused by only a few agitators, it threatened to implicate the whole community. G-d, in threatening to destroy everyone, was in effect accusing the people of guilt by association. Though, neither in civil or religious law, is such an accusation sufficient for punishment, it carries a moral weight. By doing nothing while others cause trouble, we allow them to define the collective. Korach and his conspirators were but a tiny proportion of the people. There is no evidence that they had even passive widespread support. Yet their actions besmirched the whole people, leading G-d to, in effect, accuse the whole people of rebellion. G-d, in destroying the troublemakers, requires the people to actively distance themselves from the rebels. Their silence had been seen as consent, their active protest redeems their position. This incident has much to teach us today. The good name of our country and especially its academic institutions, is in danger of being besmirched by a small group of extremist troublemakers. While the vast majority disagree with their actions, their silence makes them moral accomplices in the eyes of the world. Only concerted action to root out this stain can restore their reputation.
ALIYAH BY ALIYAH SYNOPSIS
Rishon |
Korach leads a revolt against Moses. |
Sheni |
They refuse to compromise with Moses. |
|
Shelishi |
They are swallowed up by the earth or consumed with fire. The people accuse Moses of murder. |
|
Revi’i |
Aaron again saves them from destruction by means of incense |
|
Chamishi |
The Levites are confirmed by their rod budding. |
|
Shishi |
The tithe due to the Priests. |
|
Shevi’i |
The tithe due to the Levites. |
|
Maftir |
The Shabbat and Rosh Hodesh offerings. |
|
Haftorah |
I Samuel: 11;14-12;22: the people demand a king. |
Sidra Statistics
Parshat Korach
· has 75 verses;
· is the 5th in Numbers, 38th in the Torah
· shortest in Numbers, 46th longest in the Torah
· has 5 pos + 4 neg = 9 mitzvot.
