Korach

We all know that Korach started an argument against Moshe Rabeinu and Aharon HaKohen.  What was Korach’s argument and what was he trying to accomplish? Rashi writes that Korach was jealous of the nesi’us of Elitzafan ben Uziel whom Moshe Rabeinu appointed al pi Hashem.  Korach said, “my father is one of four brothers; first is Amram, second Yitzhar, third Chevron, and lastly Uziel. Amram’s children, Moshe and Aharon, are king and Kohen Gadol, respectively.  Who is fitting to be the Nasi if not for the son of Yitzhar, me? But instead, Moshe appointed Elitzafan the son of Uziel, the fourth of the brothers! Therefore, I am going to ruin his words!”

So, Korach gathered 250 great people, clothed them in outfits of techailes, and paraded before Moshe. Rashi writes that their march and outfits were to express; if a fully white garment only needs one string of techailes for mitzvas tzitzis, then of course a whole garment of techailes doesn’t need that extra string! So too, Bnei Yisrael are all kedoshim just like techailes, so we don’t need that one special “techailes string,” and we don’t need a leader!

The Steipler points out that we see from here what arguments can cause. Korach was jealous and wanted a high position. He therefore convinced 250 people that they didn’t need Moshe Rabeinu as their leader. This claim would ruin Korach’s ability to be a leader, for everyone would then be a leader. Arguments make a person oblivious to the real reason for his fight. He’ll go and convince people that he is fighting for their good when really, he is just full of bad!

The Ramban points out that the passuk states, “and Moshe heard and he fell on his face,” in singular, not “and they fell on their faces,” in plural. Aharon did not respond whatsoever to this entire argument! He admitted and accepted that Korach was indeed greater, but was simply following Moshe’s instructions.

May we stay far away from arguments and be ohev shalom v’rodef shalom!