Parshas Korach (5766)

Bs”d

Parshas Korach (5766)
By Mordechai Dolinsky

Korach’s greatest wickedness was his machlokes with Moshe Rabeinu. Having a difference of opinion; debating, arguing and engaging in intensive verbal conflict can be very positive. In the Torah world, which is the highest, holiest and most important reoccupation, this is done constantly. Sholom, peace, is not the absence of disagreement but rather dealing with the conflict properly. Machlokes is when the conflict gives birth to a kind of “war” mode and the “issue” which was the cause of the original disagreement fades into the background.

The machlokes then becomes an end in itself, with irrational, obnoxious behavior with hatred and animosity. The baalei machlokes then use an arsenal of assorted tactics designed to hurt the other side, emotionally, financially and physically.

So much strength and effort must be exerted not to fall into this when standing up for our principles.

Have a wonderful Shabbos.