Envy...Korach...Congregants who Do Not Walk in Korach's Path

Korach is an interesting parasha because at times it feels as if one would want to be on the side of the "bad guy" in this story.  Korach is seen as an individual who is questioning the "establishment" about its right to lead.  Yet, he does so in a very clever way.  He basically argues that he wants a more democratic society.  "You take too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them:  why then lift  yourselves above the assembly of the Lord?"  His message is that everyone is holy whereas Moses' message is that everyone needs to be holy.  He also complains about Moses appointing his own brother, Aaron, as the High Priest.  Such nepotism is seen as an attempt to put too much power in the hands of too few.

Yet, Torah commentators throughout the ages have tried to discover why the ground would open up and swallow Korach and his followers if they were indeed preaching a revolt based on democratic principles.  A midrash talks about Korach's status before leading the rebellion.  It seems that while in Egypt he served as the treasurer of Pharoah.  It is said that he had 300 mules.  "What really spurred Korah's bitter rebellion was a personal grievance.  He felt that Moses had overlooked him when he made the appointment of chief of the Levite division of Kohat.  The prestigious job was given to Elizaphan, a cousin of Korach.  Korach thought he himself should have gotten the job."  (Pinchas Peli, Torah Today)

In the Talmud, Moed Katan 16b, there is a discussion of Korach's attempt to assasinate Moses' character.  Moses is actually accused of living an immoral life.  It is at that point that Korach and his followers attempt to stone Moses.

Looked at in another light, Korach's rebellion is really about envy, about seeing something that someone else has and attempting to take it away.  Adin Steinsaltz wrote in his book, Simple Words, that "Anything can be the object of envy:  things that are useful or needed, things that are neither useful nor needed.  Envy is not primarily focused on the object itself; it is prompted by the perceived status in owning something that someone else owns, or that a particular social group considers a mark of distinction, of beauty, or of being "in".  Korach was less interested in democratic processes and more interested in wrestling the power and status of leadership away from Moshe and Aaron due to envy.

It was Korach's feelings of discontent that led to his eventual downfall.  He wasted his potential because he preferred to stir up discord within the community rather than contribute to the community in a harmonious fashion.

So how can I tie the lessons from Korach into a Shabbat celebration of the 15th anniversary of two of our finest members, Nanci and James Hamicksburg?  It is apparent to any who have walked into this shul on Shabbat or a weekday, that Nanci and James have spent their lives together being supportive of the many individuals who have been in positions of leadership here. Nanci has lent her talents to our shul by supporting our ability to maintain a kosher kitchen.  It has been tedious work, sometimes lacking glory, yet she knows that it is one of the most important aspects of being a Conservative shul and does so without voicing discontent.  James has been faced with many physical challenges over the years, but it is apparent that he still supports the work of this congregation and tries to be a positive voice among the group of those who care about Jewish customs and traditions.  Together they have created a wonderful family that is embued with a love of G-d and Judaism.  James and Nanci, we are delighted to be spending your 15th anniversary with you today.  May G-d protect and deliver you from all trouble and distress, provide you a healthy and blessed relationship together, and help you to enjoy peace, harmony, and companionship.

Shabbat Shalom.