The Wonders of Korach: Lessons from a Storied Figure in the Torah

1. Embrace Contentment

Korach, a contemporary and cousin of Moses, was tasked with carrying the sacred vessels like his fellow Kohathites. However, he envied the position of Elizaphan ben Uzziel, whom Moses appointed (by Hashem's command) as the leader of the Levites. A Midrash in Yalkut Reuveni emphasizes that one's primary duty is to serve the Creator from where they are placed in life: "The raising of the Levites by Aaron is akin to Moses binding Isaac... If Korach had agreed to his role as Isaac accepted his binding, he would surely be as Gabriel is above, just as Aaron equaled Michael."

2. Unmatched Wealth

The Talmud Pesachim notes that Korach was extraordinarily wealthy, with 300 mules required just to carry the keys to his treasure houses.

3. Treasure of Joseph

How did Korach become so rich? Rabbi Chama ben Chanina explains that Korach discovered one of the treasure stores that Joseph had hidden in Egypt.

4. Pride Before the Fall

On the verse "There is a grievous evil which I have seen under the sun, namely riches kept by their owner to his hurt," Rabbi Shimon ben Lakish comments this refers to Korach's wealth. The Midrash Mishlei tells of two great wealthy figures: Korach among the Israelites and Haman among the nations. Both fell due to their wives' advice. Korach's wife mocked Moses' teaching on tzitzit, prompting a costly rebellion.

5. Saved by Prayer

Both Moses and Hannah the prophetess prayed for Korach and his followers. According to the Jerusalem Talmud, "R' Shmuel ben Nachman said Moses prayed for them, 'Let Reuben live and not die,' and R' Yehoshua ben Levi said Hannah prayed for them, saying: 'Hashem kills and gives life; He brings down to Sheol and raises up.'"

6. An Aftermath Debate

The Babylonian Talmud contains a debate regarding whether Korach's assembly has a share in the world to come. Rabbi Akiva asserts they do not, while Rabbi Eliezer claims they are like a lost item awaiting retrieval: "As it is written: 'I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek your servant; for I do not forget your commandments.'"

7, A Song of Redemption

Each Rosh Hashanah, Psalm 47 is recited before the shofar blowing as an act of rectification for Korach and his sons, according to Rabbi Mordechai Yosef Leiner.

8. Jealousy is Destructive

Rabbeinu Bachya teaches that jealousy is "a harmful plague without a cure." He warns that coveting another's wealth leads to a life of misery and unrest, as seen in Korach's downfall due to jealousy.

9. Consequences of Discord

The Shelah HaKadosh writes that the dispute of Korach teaches us the severe punishment of discord. "Observe the harsh punishment of Korach, despite his illustrious lineage. Had it not been for his strife, he would have remained esteemed in Israel as one who carried the ark. Although his descendants perished, any wise person should seek to be like Aaron, a lover of peace."

10. Misguided Vision

The Midrash questions Korach's actions: "Korach, who was cunning, what led him to such folly? His vision misled him – he foresaw a great line of righteous descendants." Even with such foresight, Rabbi of Lublin teaches, "Divine inspiration can harm one who does not guard themselves accordingly."

11. A Future Cleansing

The Ari states "The Palm tree flourishes" with the final letters spelling Korach, indicating he will eventually be purified and merit reward.

12. Value of Peace

The Yalkut Shimoni stresses the importance of pursuing peace: Moses' visit to Dathan and Abiram's tent saved four righteous individuals from Gehinnom – three sons of Korach and On ben Pelet.

13. Power of Repentance

In Midrash Shochar Tov, the power of repentance is highlighted: "Korach's sons couldn't express themselves in song, but their hearts whispered repentance and were accepted." Midrash Aggadah comments, "These sons were saved by the consideration of repentance and their prayers were answered."

14. Redeeming Respect

The Yalkut Shimoni describes the sons of Korach's moral dilemma when faced with disrespecting Moses or their father, choosing ultimately to honor Moses and repent. This choice brought about their redemption.

15. Hearts Like Roses

The sons of Korach later composed Psalms, signifying their transformation: "To the chief musician upon Shoshannim, a psalm for the sons of Korach, a maskil, a song of loves." Their repentance softened their hearts like roses.

Rabbi Boaz Shalom answers: How did Korach persuade all of Israel against Moses, who led them out of Egypt and delivered the Torah?