Parashat Korach Numbers 16:1−18:32
Dear Friends,
The parasha this week is oddly named “Korach,” who rises up, rebels, fails and is wiped out. Yet, his name lives on (perhaps in infamy). What would lead someone in the Tribe of Levi to challenge Moses?
For one thing, Moses, on the surface, was not the most likely choice as a leader. He had a speech impediment which the Tradition tells us was a stutter. Although he was from the Tribe of Levi, he grew up in Pharaoh’s household. He killed an Egyptian taskmaster and had to flee Egypt. When he does return, he is not compelling enough in his presentation to get the children of Israel to listen to him, and he is about 80 years old. So, one might see some flaws that could be attacked. Korach certainly sees an opportunity. As a fellow member of the Levi clan, he claims that Moses and Aaron have taken too much authority on themselves. However, it seems that he was wrong.
Korach seems to ignore the fact that Moses had several characteristics which set him apart, and made him, ultimately, a great leader. He had the ability to look beyond and envision a better future. Others saw slavery and nothing else, while he presented a vision of freedom. He had the intellectual, and spiritual, curiosity to see the extraordinary in the midst of the mundane (think of the burning bush in the middle of the wilderness). Moses also had a great deal of humility and did seek self-aggrandizement.
Korach couches his rebellion in terms of equality. He states that all of the Children of Israel are holy and given that, questions the elevation of Moses and Aaron above them. He also uses his tribal membership as an argument, since Levi has been singled out for special duties in the sanctuary. It makes sense, to a point.
Korach slips in, almost unnoticed, a complaint, which just might be the real reason for his downfall. He is not happy with the fact that the Tribe of Levi will not be given a portion of land ownership in promised land. His fatal flaw is his greed. While Moses is described as humble, Korach is concerned about his own status. Moses puts his life on the line to protect the Jewish People and serve them, while Korach is concerned about what benefits and honors will come to him.
In the end, the Torah tells us that God chose Moses, and does away with Korach and his followers. Clearly leaders, whether rabbis or elected officials, need to keep in mind the purpose of their positions, namely, to serve the people, and protect them. While having a good sense of self is essential, so is a proper amount of humility and a true vision of purpose.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Marv
rabbischwab@bethelsp.org