Parshas Korach

“And it shall be that the man whom Hashem does choose he shall be holy. You already have something great sons of Levi.” (Bamidbar 16:7) "

Korach was clever so what brought him to this foolishness? His eye misled him. He saw a great line of people descending from him. Therefore he assumed he’d be spared saying: “Can it be that all this greatness will come from me and I’ll remain quiet?” (Rashi from Tanchuma) 

However the question remains. How can a man with ruach hakodesh err so badly as to dare to argue with Moshe? It’s even more surprising considering all the spiritual attainments acquired during Yetzias Mitzrayim Kri’as Yam Suf Har Sinai and the miracles in the desert. What motivated Korach? (Lekach Tov) 

Though Chany sat across the table the pain emanating from her felt tangible. “I feel like there’s no point in my life” she said softly.

Chany’s 31 and still single. She’s been in shidduchim for over a decade yet her dreams of her own home and children remain unfulfilled. But those hopes are shattered time and time again against the rocky cliffs of reality.

“What does Hashem want from my life?” she sobs.

I don’t know how to answer her. I have no words capable of eradicating her pain.

Chany’s a wonderful girl — talented successful pretty and with a great sense of humor as well. She holds down a fulfilling job with a good salary and has the support of her parents and siblings nieces and nephews. Yet she feels empty amid all the richness surrounding her.

Within our question lies the answer. Korach’s high spiritual level was the cause of his downfall. Due to the remarkable spiritual attainments of the time he had a great desire for closeness to Hashem. Proof of this is seen that the family of Kehas made great efforts to be the ones to carry the Aron despite the fact that the Aron caused some of them to die. (Bamidbar Rabbah) 

Therefore we understand how much Korach and his assembly yearned to serve Hashem as one of His exalted emissaries. Before the Kohanim were chosen to serve in the Mishkan all of Bnei Yisrael were worthy of this avodah. The avodah had been given over to the firstborns but non-firstborns didn’t die for performing it. Now with the choosing of the Kohanim it was difficult for the rest of the nation to be distanced from the avodah in the Mishkan. (ibid.) 

I can imagine there are some who don’t appreciate the extent of Chany’s nisayon. Why do you want to get married? they could ask. What are you lacking in life; you’ve got loving family and a comfortable livelihood! 

But I know Chany well and understand the depths of her wishes. She wants to establish a home to raise children even if that means sleepless nights and a tight budget. Her tefillos pierce the heaven every day anew as she waits for His salvation.

This was the justification for the dispute of Korach and his assembly. They thought that had Moshe only wanted he could’ve succeeded in attaining the avodah for them just as he successfully saved Klal Yisrael by the Egel and Meraglim. Therefore they complained against Moshe claiming that he accepted this situation and Hashem acted according to his consent. 

This explains the midrash about Korach seeing greatness descending from him; he felt he was worthy of greatness. And indeed Moshe reproved them in a later pasuk according to their own theory (16:9): “Is it but a small thing to you that the G-d of Israel has separated you from the congregation of Israel to bring you near to Him…?” 

The desire to serve Hashem is a positive thing. But it must come with the proper perspective. That being the case they should’ve accepted what Hashem wanted despite their yearnings otherwise. The fact that they came to controversy testifies that their desire didn’t stem from pure intentions. (ibid.) 

Chany says she just want to fulfill Hashem’s Will —to build a beautiful Torah home and raise good children. And yet for reason we can never understand that’s not His Will at this moment.

I reach out to Chany. My heart is overflowing for her and my daily tefillos reflect that. Yet Hashem is saying wait a bit longer. Yes we can cry but we must also accept that this is her tafkid now despite our yearnings otherwise. And that may be the greatest avodas Hashem of all.