Parshas Korach (5761)

Bs”d

Parshas Korach (5761)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Our parsha has the big machlokes that Korach stormed up.  We can see from the great concern that Moshe Rabeinu had about the incident and the gravity of the punishment that there was nothing in the Creation that was severe enough and the punishment needed a new creation.  All this spells out to us that there was some element here that is much worse than we can imagine.  Rashi (16:1) quotes a well-known Medrash (18:3) that reveals to us one of the main implements of Korach’s venomous arsenal.  He had a pointed question regarding a garment that was completely “techeles” and a question about a mezuza and room full of seforim.  The bottom line of all this and its destructiveness was “hischilu l’sachek olov:”—he caused Moshe Rabainu to be a source of ridicule and laughter.  Korach was harnessing the power of one of the most potent tools for devastating spirituality; “laitzanus”, derision and frivolity.  Korach, having such a wicked plot, and relying on this for his weapon, in itself says a lot.

It is popularly known that “laitzanus” isn’t one of the recommended pastimes, but the Mesilas Yesharim (chapter 5) really opens our eyes to its awesomeness.  The Mesilas Yesharim explains that it knocks our thinking faculties out of order.  This is to such a degree that the person is not even receptive or open for assistance.  It immunizes a person against any constructive criticism or for any rebuke to have any effect or influence on him.  It has the power to eradicate and delete the storehouses of spiritual treasures he has already acquired.

We are living in an era that ‘laitzanus’ plays a constant role in our behavior pattern.  It is woven into the fiber of everything from casual conversation to our most serious endeavors.  We are in need of much Divine help and assistance.

My most sincere blessings to you all for success.