The primary event in this week’s parshah is the revolt that is held against Moshe and Aharon. Led by a man named Korach, the rebellion stemmed from jealousy towards Moshe and Aharon because of their elevated status among the nation (Moshe was the nation’s leader and Aharon was the high priest). The following verse depicts Korach’s statement to Moshe and Aharon:
“… the entire assembly all of them are holy and Hashem (God) is among them, so why do you exalt yourselves over the congregation of Hashem?” [Numbers: 16: 3]
Korach believed that every individual in the entire nation was on the same spiritual plane, and that no one should be more privileged than anyone else. At first glance, his logic seems well in place. Everybody in the nation does have his or her part to play and no one should be considered superior in any way. But from the great divine punishment that befell these rebels, it is clear that Korach’s argument was indeed flawed. So what was the root of his error?
