LIVING WITH THE PARSHAH 5779, PARSHAS KORACH By HARAV YAAKOV FEITMAN, KEHILLAS BAIS YEHUDAH TZVI Parshas Korach includes one of the most unusual Lo Saaseh – prohibitions – in the Torah. The Posuk tells us “Do not be like Korach and his cohorts” (17:5). The Torah forbids many things which were done by various wicked people. Yet, the actual isur – wording of the prohibition – does not mention any one individual. The only one which specifically identifies one person is to avoid dissension like Korach and his followers. Several questions arise: 1). Why is this la’av – negative prohibition – different than all the other 364 in the Torah? 2). This sin seems almost incongruous when we consider the fact that the entire Torah Shebaal Peh is replete with thousands of machlokos – Halachic disagreements. In fact, a bit of thought will reveal that almost every D’var Torah we have ever heard, especially about Halacha is built upon difference of opinion. Our usual approach to these controversies is that “Eilu ve’eilu Divrei Elokim Chaim – both are correct in some way and on some level” (Eiruvin 13b). Therefore, we must ask, “how bad can machlokes be when the Torah seems to be almost built upon disagreement? There is one answer to both questions which goes to the heart of both Torah and what was wrong with Korach and his group. The Ritvah (Eiruvin ibid) reveals an incredible explanation for the source of machlokes in Divrei Torah: “When Moshe Rabbeinu went up to receive the Torah he was shown 49 approaches to each question which result in strict prohibition and 49 approaches which advocate leniency and permission. The final decision on each issue was given over to the leaders of each generation to render a final decision.” Rav Moshe Feinstein zt”l (Igros Moshe Even Haezer 1:64, page 163) rules that this authority was only granted to those who “seek the absolute truth.” This means that anyone who has ulterior motives, be they honor, power, wealth or anything else has no right to render Torah decisions. Furthermore, Rav Chaim Brisker zt”l (quoted in Yagdil Torah, page 250) formulated an ingenious interpretation of the prohibition to be like Korach. He states that not only is it a laav – a negative sin – it is also a prediction: “There will never be another machlokes like this where one side was completely wrong and the other completely right. From then on, there will always some justice on both sides. Therefore, there should no raging arguments, since everyone is somewhat wrong and somewhat correct.” In Torah, one must be totally objective. Otherwise it is forbidden to make a judgment. Individuals will always be subjective since they are advocating for themselves. Torah Judges, such as Poskim, Dayanim, Rabbonim and Morei Hora’ah must be dispassionate or else the entire system of Torah decision-making is in jeopardy. For this reason, Korach is mentioned by name to ensure that we remember that yichus – genealogy, wisdom, and intellectual greatness are not enough to become a Torah leader. Humility, like that of Moshe and Aharon and the willingness to make judgments as they both did, which hurt themselves, are necessary for Torah leadership. The acknowledged Gedolim of Jewish history have all been giants of Midos as well. The humility of Rav Moshe Feinstein, the Kedushah of Rav Elyashiv, the self- effacing modesty of the Alter of Slabodka immediately come to mind. The contrast between Moshe and Korach reminds us that above all, we must be honest with ourselves and true to heart. A GUTTEN SHABBOS HALACHA OF THE WEEK 5779 PARSHAS KORACH BY HARAV YAAKOV FEITMAN, KEHILLAS BAIS YEHUDAH TZVI Since we just began the month of Tamuz, this week we will begin discussing common questions about the Three Weeks. In the ensuing weeks we will iyH discuss the Halachos of the Nine Days and Tisha B’av Question: I know that we are not supposed to take hair cuts and shave during the Three Weeks but I have also heard and seen various kulos – leniencies --. Please indicate, if any, what these kulos are. Answer: First of all, Halacha does not advocate looking for either kulos or chumros. The Gemara (Taanis 31b) and Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 554:25) rule that only someone who has properly mourned over the destruction of the Bais Hamikdash will see its rebuilding. Therefore, we should not be cavalier about shaving or other ways of ignoring the tragedy of this time period. On the other hand, certain heterim (areas of permission) are taught by Poskim. There are indeed Poskim (Chasam Sofer Yoreh Deah 348; Shearim Hametzuyanim Behalacha 122:5)) who hold that we may shave but not take a haircut on Erev Shabbos during the Three Weeks. On the other hand, the Mishnah Berurah (551:32) does not accept this kulah. Some of these Poskim (see Rav Y. Neuworth, Shemiras Shabbos Kehilchasa 42:52) suggest that we do not allow this hetter today because most people are not really shaving in honor of Shabbos but because of their own sake (see, also Pischei Teshuvah and Kaf Hachaim 551:66). This would mean that everyone would have to assess “objectively” if they are indeed doing so for the sake of Shabbos or not, a difficult task indeed. If a monetary loss would occur because one did not shave, many Poskim allow shaving or trimming their beard (see Igros Moshe Orach Chaim 4:102; Halichos Shlomo 2:14:7). People who are retired but became accustomed to utilizing this kulah should not shave now in their retirement. Question: May one listen to recorded music which is sung vocally only without musical instruments (known as a cappela)? Answer: Some Poskim (e.g. Tzitz Eliezer 15:33:2) forbid it but others (see Nechomas Yisrael page 4, note 14) allow it. I would suggest a compromise that one may listen to a cappella if the music is slow such as Deveikus but not fast lively chasunah type music. Question: May children take music lessons during the Three Weeks? Answer: Yes (Rav Epraim Greenblatt in Rivevos Ephraim 2:155:2 and Rav Eliyahu Meir Bloch, Rosh Yeshivas Telshe, quoted by Rav Greenblatt in Noam 11:53). Question: When a chosson and Kallah got married before the Three Weeks began and are having Sheva Berachos after the 17th of Tamuz, may they have live music at the meal? Answer: Although Rav Menashe Klein himself is strict (Mishnah Halachos 6:109), in the same Teshuvah he quotes Rav Moshe Feinstein as allowing it. Furthermore, Rav Y.S. Elyashiv is also lenient (quoted in Kuntres Toras Moadim page 3, number 4). I believe that the minhag is to allow it. Question: May one make a Shehechiyanu upon his and her own new daughter during the Three Weeks? Answer: Yes (Nitey Gavriel 17:19 based upon Mishnah Berurah 223:2). A GUTTEN SHABBOS