Korach Drash 5785

Rebellious People

This weeks Parsha is Korach and is the name of the leader of a Rebellion during the time of Bnei Yisrael wandering in the wilderness, which they where doing as a result of their rebellious behavior. Anyone who has read this parsha sees rebellion in every section.

Western society and especially the United States celebrates rebellions. As I live in this society, and I am susceptible to its influences, I have setup some safe guards for myself to make sure that I am not involved in or supporting any rebellions. I am going to share only 2 things I do to keep myself in check.

1st. I ask “What does this have to do with me?” This may seem like a selfish question. The context for my reasoning comes from this weeks parsha. We read in Bamidbar 16 Now Korach the son of Yitz’har, the son of K’hat, the son of Levi, along with Datan and Aviram, the sons of Eli’av, and On, the son of Pelet, descendants of Re’uven, took men and rebelled against Moshe. We will read further of what happens to Korach, Datan, Aviram, but we read no more of On.

We have a midrash that explains what happened to On and why he was not involved in the rebellion beyond this initial point. After On, Korach, Datan and Aviram meet and plan the rebellion, On goes home to his tent. He begins speaking to his wife and explains to her what is decided and what they plan to do. His wife listens patiently and attentively and when he finishes speaking she asks him a single question. “Why are you involved in this?” As one might expect On replies with a little frustration in his voice asking if she listened to what he said. She asks him again “Why are you involved in this?” emphasizing the you. She explains further “Korach is a L’vi and a cousin of Moshe and Aharon, even if he wins this rebellion you are still of the tribe of Re’uven and will never be a cohen or a L’vi what does this have to do with you?” On heeds his wife’s wisdom and is spared the punishment of the rebellion.

2nd I ask “Is this really from HaShem?” This is especially important because spirituality and religious observance is the most important factors in making decisions. Is it from HaShem? Does it serve HaShem? I usually have a lot more questions that follow but these 2 shut down most things. I have heard so many people tell me they received a vision or a message from HaShem. Here is a fact we read in Numbers 12:6–8 “He said, “Listen to what I say: when there is a prophet among you, I, Adonai, make myself known to him in a vision, I speak with him in a dream. But it isn’t that way with my servant Moshe. He is the only one who is faithful in my entire household. With him I speak face to face and clearly, not in riddles; ...” If this person received a vision, prophecy, “message”, or anything implying direct communication from HaShem, I ask where they awake or where they asleep or catatonic? If it was not received in this way then they are at best confused by their own imaginations or at worse liars and deceivers contradicting the word of HaShem and trying to use it to manipulate others. Either way I am done with listening to them. As much as western world wants to say we are all equal and all have the same capabilities, it seems to me they really mean we are all holy and Adonai is with us all, Just like Korach. HaShem drew a distinction not just in the individual but also in the group. Psalm 147:19–20 “He reveals his words to Ya‘akov, his laws and rulings to Isra’el. He has not done this for other nations; they do not know his rulings. Halleluyah!” Only from Yisrael did he allow his words, laws and rulings to be known.

So when someone tells me “This rebellion is supported by G-d and they are acting as he has directed” then they have a lot to prove to me and if it really is of G-d they will be able to do it easily.