Bs”d
Parshas Korach (5773)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
Korach was successful in capturing Klal Yisroel, something impossible to understand since Klal Yisroel was so committed and convinced of the greatness of Moshe Rabeinu. Laitzanus, and only laitzanus can destroy all the values of truth. How much must we be aware and alert to its dangers living in a society of laitzanus.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and Chodesh.
Bs”d
Parshas Korach (5772)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
(16:30) –It is extremely difficult to understand how Moshe was able to take the chance and throw out a challenge that if Hashem didn’t punish and destroy Korach according to his very specific specifications of the opening of the earth and being swallowed that he himself wasn’t truly selected by Hashem.
There is an awesome foundation in hashkafos of Torah that the Ruach of Hashem comes down and rests on the manhig in a way that the Gadol actually becomes one with Hashem. This connection gave Moshe the strength for this act. Even more so, Moshe was proving that he had this connection because otherwise it would not make any sense to put himself “out on a limb”.
It could very well be that this recognition of Moshe’s special connection with Hashem, Korach was missing.
The leaders that Hashem sends us are in proportion to our yearning. Let’s yearn for the greatest leaders with the greatest connection.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Korach (5771)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Moshe Rabeinu attempted to involve Korach to deal with Hashem and kochos of kedusha in his machlokes to spark and shock him into reality of emes. It didn’t work.
How much we must fear for ourselves, even being spiritually orientated, that we can be mistake and we must cry to Hashem to lead us and open up our minds t the truth.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Korach (5770)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The beginning of the sedra (16:2) the pasuk relating Korach’s standing up against Moshe, states: “Veanashim mi bnei Yisroel” which is referring to the group that joined Korach. In the simple sentence structure it may look as though these people were on Moshe’s side and it is puzzling why it was written in this vague way. Perhaps the message is that they were very close to the border line in their association with Korach yet they were considered a part of his contingency.
The lesson is how careful we must be not to align ourselves with shittos that are not Torah true. We might find ourselves guilty of being aligned with groups that have incorrect outlooks.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and a fulfilling, uplifting Chodesh.
Bs”d
Parshas Korach (5769)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
The main cause of the downfall of Korach was his lack of control in his power of speech. Chazal single out this most outstanding area as the highest priority in self improvement and shlaymus hanefesh.
Such an important lesson and inspiration for us today when there lacks such an awareness and conscientiousness of this top priority area in serving Hashem and fulfilling the purpose of our being placed on this earth.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
Bs”d
Parshas Korach (5768)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Korach in his wicked performance of ridiculing Moshe and Toras Hashem selected the mitzvos of tzitzis and mezuzah. “If techeles is sufficient on one strand of the tzitzis a complete garment of techeles should surely do the trick… A room filled with sefarim should make the placing of a mezuzah on the door unnecessary. From all the mitzvos why should Korach single out these? Was there any sense to his jest?
‘Osos’ and ‘Adius’ are mitzvos which tzitzis and mezuzah are part of that the Torah itself explains that it serves the purpose of testimony to remind us of certain essentials. This is to the extent that some opinions hold that we do not fulfill the mitzvah unless we actually use it practically for this purpose.
Korach used the true purpose of these mitzvos for the logic of his foul ridicule. Korach’s error of course was that the benefit of these mitzvos is only attained by following the strict specifications of the Torah.
This episode should serve us as an inspiration to make use of these precious mitzvos to remind us of what they were intended for–the mezuzah, tzitzis, tefilin, Shabbos, the Yomim Tovim etc. etc..
Have a wonderful Shabbos and a redeeming and fulfilling Chodesh.
Bs”d
Parshas Korach (5767)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Rashi quotes (16:1) the Chazal that the members of shevet Reuven were influenced by Korach because of the close proximity of their geographical location and this was responsible for their downfall. Rashi quotes the Chazal “oi l’rasha v’oi lishchayno”—woe is to one who dwells near the wicked—and applies it to shevet Reuven.
What is extremely difficult to comprehend is that this Chazal is taken to mean a criticism for choosing a dwelling place near the wicked. In the case of shevet Reuven, however, their geographical location was designated by Divine instruction and Chazal’s advice should have no application here.
This reveals to us that the meaning and lesson of Chazal also includes a person finding himself, due to circumstances beyond his control, in the proximity of the wicked and undesirable. The directives of the Chazal still apply in the form of positive action to protect oneself, one’s family, and everyone under his sphere of influence from the negative input. “Bitachbulos taaseh milchama”—with wise planning and precaution make great effort to overcome negative influence and Hashem will surely give special Divine assistance for success.
Have a wonderful Shabbos.
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.
Bs”d
Parshas Korach (5765)
By Mordechai Dolinsky
Korach, Korach, all your great complex ‘pilpulim’ regarding talesim completely saturated in “techeles”; how brilliant. Poking fun at Moshe Rabeinu and Hashem’s Torah. All this for a position of status and honor, all supposedly for Hashem’s honor. In truth all this obnoxious revolution and tumult was in reality for his own honor; why wasn’t he appointed and anointed.
It is absolutely amazing, one of the most significant principles in our serving Hashem we find in this very parsha, so to the point and on mark, addressing Korach and his issue. (18:20)Hashem explains that Aharon and his shevet won’t be receiving a share and heritage in the land since He is their share and inheritance. The Rambam in hilchos shmita and yovel (13:13) explains that this posuk not only applies to shevet Levi but any individual in the world that so chooses to commit himself to be completely devoted to serving Hashem will likewise be relieved of the conventional, mundane, material duties and Hashem will place him under the special Divine umbrella of His supervision and care.
Korach, Korach, if it is really closeness to Hashem that you are seeking, you have it, ironically, right here in this parsha 18:20; no hullabaloo, no machlokes and no ridiculing of Moshe and the Torah.
Likewise, it is all ours just for the taking, just a sincere commitment and Hashem is all yours!!
Have a wonderful Shabbos and a good Chodesh.
Bs”d
Parshas Korach (5764)
by Mordechai Dolinsky
Korach was faced with a mountainous ordeal and humongous undertaking in his crusade to persuade and brainwash even the Sanhedrin and outstanding members of Clal Yisroel to join in his machlokes. The awesome tool he had in his arsenal for this tragic accomplishment was with “meshicha b’dvorim rakim”; persuasion through soft words (Medrash 12:2). What a powerful message and lesson for us, to harness this potent tool for good purposes.
Have a wonderful Shabbos and Chodesh—may it be a month of yeshuos for all.
sending...
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