|
|
||
HOME
|
|
Drash
for Shabbat Korach This week's portion, Korach, contains a number of very interesting elements. One is the ongoing rebellious character of a number of the Israelites. Another is how God supports His chosen leaders and why He punishes those who seek to overthrow them. And we also find the duties of the priests and Levites spelled out in detail. The rebellious nature of the Israelites is described in earlier portions. Korach continues to function in that mold. Korach invoked the principle of equality as he drew in supporters to challenge the leadership of Moses and Aaron. He stated that "For all the community are holy, all of them, and the Eternal is in their midst. Why then do you raise yourselves above the Eternal's congregation." (Plaut) God punished Korach and his followers because they sought to overthrow His designated leaders. In effect, Korach was challenging God's judgment. Many over the past centuries have assailed Korach's character. The Babylonian Talmud (Sanhedrin 110a) portrays Korach as the richest man to leave Egypt, and one who valued material treasures over the spiritual. It relates the account of Rabbi Levi that tells of the three hundred mules that were required to carry just the keys to Korach's treasure sites. Korach had a personal agenda. Earlier he had anticipated being elevated to the post of clan leader and was sorely disappointed when Elizaphan was appointed instead. He became particularly resentful when Moses appointed younger men to important posts. (Rashi) In fact, over the years, the status of Korach's family had declined quite markedly. At this time, he and his followers "250 men of renown" sought to gain the priesthood under the guise of equality. What kind of leader would Korach have been? In our own time, we have seen what occurs when those with political ambition mask their selfish aims under the banner of equality. Once those individuals gained the position of leadership, they ruled with impunity as dictators. Those leaders claimed to rule democratically in the name of the people. As part of the charade, many of those countries' names included the words "democratic" and "people's republic." Shabbat Shalom. |
