Korach 5776 July 8, 2016

A Taste of Stories For The Soul It’s All About Me By Mordechai Fleisher A Friendly Argument In today’s world, it’s very important for You know the rest of the story. 250 Jews During the late 1800’s, there a politician to convince everyone that he bring pans with incense, and a Divine was a sharp debate between or she is working for the benefit of the fire consumes them. Korach and his people. More often than not, that claim is two sidekicks, Dasan and Aviram, are several prominent Torah leaders laughable. To that end, our Sages (Pirkei swallowed, along with their families and regarding a particular issue. The Avos 2:3) tell us to be wary of goverment possessions, by the earth. disagreement was quite heated, officials, for they may seem very friendly Why were two different punishments each side strongly advocating its when they stand to gain from the necessary? To make this question even position as the correct approach. relationship, but they will abandon you more perplexing, the (Sanhedrin when you are no longer useful. Two of the leading Torah 110a) records an opinion that Korach authorities of the time, Rabbi About fifteen years ago, when I was himself suffered both forms of retribution: studying in in Eretz Yisrael, I was Not only was he swallowed, he was also (1853-1918) a guest at a Shabbos meal along with a burned by the Divine fire. What is the and Rabbi Meir Simcha of Dvinsk British chap who was looking to convert significance of his being subjected to both (1843-1926) were at the forefront to Judaism. (His own personal Brexit, I punishments? of the controversy, and each one suppose.) I don’t know what became of The Shelah (Rabbi Yeshaya Horowitz; spoke strongly for his outlook him, but he shared what inspired him c. 1565-1630) explains that there were while vehemently disagreeing with to look into Judaism. He told us that he two different agendas among Korach’s the other view. wanted to make a difference in the world, followers. Most weren’t that interested in so he went into politics, figuring that challenging Moshe’s integrity; they simply At one point, there was a meeting would be a great place to change things wanted the opportunity to perform that of rabbonim in the European city of for the better. As he slowly made his way most coveted of the Tabernacle services, Vitebsk. Rav Chaim and Rav Meir up the ladder, he was pushed off of it by the offering of ketores, and thus draw closer Simcha both attended the meeting. those dedicated to advancing themselves, to G-d. Some, though, were attempting a Before departing, Rav Chaim went not the needs of their constituents. So leadership change; they wanted Moshe to visit Rav Meir Simcha and to much for change. Their backstabbing, and Aharon to step down. bid him goodbye. after he had invested so much to do good, Those who brought the ketores were left him rather disillusioned regarding consumed by a fire, much like what Rav Chaim’s attendant was quite mankind’s ability to fix things without occurred to Aharon’s sons, Nadav surprised. “How could you visit Divine guidance. and Avihu, when they brought an Rav Meir Simcha if you disagree so In this week’s parsha, Korach organizes unauthorized ketores offering. The other strongly with him?” he asked. a rebellion against Moshe and Aharon. part of the rebellion was looking to pick a He claims that Moshe has made some fight, and the punishment for creating the “It’s true that we don’t see eye-to- enactments based on his own whim, machlokes (dispute) was to be swallowed eye,” explained Rav Chaim. “But including appointing his brother, Aharon, alive. Dasan and Aviram, who were long does that mean I should disregard as the Gadol (High Priest). All Jews a thorn in Moshe’s side and didn’t accept the fact that he’s the gadol hador are holy, announces Korach, and everyone his leadership, went under for their (greatest man of the generation)?!” ought to be allowed to bring ketores attempted coup. (incense offering) before G-d if they so Korach was guilty of both offenses. Our Sages teach that a dispute desire. According to the aforementioned opinion that is carried on for the sake of G-d is incensed by Korach and his in the Talmud, Korach himself brought Heaven will last, while one not for followers, but Moshe proposes a test ketores, as he also desired that special the sake of Heaven will crumble. for the rebels: All those who would like relationship with G-d. His demand Great people can disagree on to offer incense may do so. If they are of equal service for all, though, was ideas, even quite vehemently, but entitled to bring ketores, all will be fine, disingenuous. Korach wanted Moshe still maintain mutual respect for but if they are not authorized, they will and Aharon out, for he had his eyes on a each other. Small people quickly suffer dire consequences. Additionally, much bigger prize, the High Priesthood. descend into petty personal says Moshe, if all of my enactments are of Though Korach never expressed his desire Divine origin, let the earth open its mouth outright, Moshe saw through Korach’s attacks. and swallow Korach and his followers. stated aim of egalitarianism when he Continued on back side Kollel Happenings Increase Your Jewish IQ By Rabbi Yaakov Zions SUMMER NIGHT SEDER FOR Last week we asked: How can two friends shehakol, not ha’adama. This rule is subject BACHURIM eat the same food, prepared in the exact same to the custom of the locale. Therefore, if Attention boys entering 7th manner, at the same time, and yet be required two friends living in different areas eat, for grade and older! The Kollel to recite different brachos (blessings) on them example, a vegetable which is customarily is once again holding its according to all contemporary opinions? eaten only raw (or only cooked) in one place, Summer Night Seder for (They did not eat or drink anything else but in the other location is consumed both Bachurim at the Kollel West in close proximity to the above-mentioned raw and cooked, the first person would make item.) shehakol, while the second makes ha’adama. Side Bais Medrash. Sunday- (Source: Sefer V’sain B’racha page 400; Thursday, mincha 7:45 A: The halacha is that if a fruit or vegetable is generally eaten in only one form (raw or an example given there is raw string beans, pm, followed by learning. cooked), one who eats it in the nonstandard which are eaten raw at times in the US, but Ma’ariv at 9:10 pm. Stipends fashion recites shehakol instead of the usual not in Eretz Yisrael.) available for boys who blessing. For example, onions are generally This week’s question: Can you think of a maintain the schedule. not eaten in their raw form, except as part of similar case, where one friend is required to For info or sponsorship a salad or sandwich. Therefore, if someone say the proper blessing on the item while the opportunities, please bites into a slice of raw onion, even if he other isn’t required to say any blessing at all? finds it enjoyable, he would only recite contact rmf@denverkollel. To submit an answer to Rabbi Zions, email [email protected]. org. RABBANIT MIZRACHI ON JULY 31ST Lives of Our Torah Leaders The Women’s Division of the The Rambam Part VIII Denver Community Kolleland Another major, and extremely controversial, study of philosophy, particularly Aristotelian Aish Denver present a work of the Rambam was Moreh Nevuchim philosophy, was popular among the intellectual video for women, Leading up to Tisha B’Av.Sunday, (Guide for the Perplexed). Originally written elite, Jews included. Great Torah scholars and July 31st at 8 pm at Aish in Arabic as a letter to his disciple, Rabbi leaders studied secular philosophy, and this Denver. Rabbanit Yemima is Yosef ben Yehuda of Cueta, Moreh Nevuchim sometimes led to much confusion regarding the one of the most in-demand is a philosophical work that discusses many Torah outlook on issues. The Rambam wrote speakers today, attracting areas of Judaism such as prophecy, the Moreh Nevuchim for these Jews who required hundreds of women to her anthropomorphic descriptions of G-d in the guidance to resolve their questions and doubts. lectures, where she presents Torah and Books of the Prophets, and reasoning The work was intended for the intellectual elite deep messages with a sense behind the mitzvos, among numerous other who were immersed in philosophy, not for the of humor. Sponsorship Judaic subjects. It must be understood that the average person with little experience in these available. No charge, Rambam lived in a time and place where the areas. suggested donation of $5

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video presentations. A Taste of Torah Continued from front side LEARN 2 LEARN chastised him (Korach 16:10), “And you seek What can we do to change it, besides exercising You have long dreamed of priesthood, as well!” For his efforts, Korach due diligence when dealing with such people? acquiring the tools to achieve received a double-whammy. I believe that most of us, at various junctures, proficiency in learning Gemara The more things change, the more they stay have opportunities to make choices or on your own. But how? The the same. Korach was a great person, but his engage in activities that affect others, be it Denver Community Kollel ambitions blinded him to the true nature of within a family, a synagogue we belong to, offers a comprehensive, his motives, and, ultimately, drove him straight or a community. When we are faced with a into the ground. He claimed to be standing decision or take on a responsibility, we should step-by-step, level-by-level do some careful soul-searching: What are my program crafted for people up for the entire community, when, in fact, he was focused on self-aggrandizement. And priorities? Do I have any vested interests? Will just like you. All you need is today, we are plagued by people who would my ego get in the way of doing what is best the ability to read Hebrew; claim to have the interests of the community, for those affected by my actions? Korach was we will teach you the rest. For of the country, of the world, at the forefront convinced he had everyone else’s best interests more information, contact of their agenda – when, in fact, the only thing at heart, but the greatest prophet of all time, [email protected]. on their agenda (or personal email server) is Moshe, knew better. What would Moshe tell numero uno. us? The Torah Weekly is made possible through a generous grant from the Harry H. Beren Foundation of Lakewood, NJ, in memory of Harry H. Beren, z”l. Denver Community Kollel 1516 Xavier Street, Denver, CO 80204 303-820-2855 [email protected] www.denverkollel.org To receive Torah Weekly by email, email to [email protected]