“These are the words Moses spoke to all Israel on the other side of the Jordan in the desert, in the Aravah, opposite Suf, between Parran, Tofel, Lavan, Chatzeros and Di Zahav” (Deuteronomy 1:1).
In explaining the significance of these places, Rashi writes that Chatzeros refers to the controversy of Korach, and Di Zahav to the worship of the Golden Calf.
Commentaries to Rashi wonder why the episode of Korach would be mentioned before the Golden Calf when in fact it took place afterward.
Rabbi Yitzchak Katz explained that oftentimes, people can be very cynical about religious ideas and dismissive of spiritual people, but embrace all kinds of nonsense and irrational superstitions of their own. While mocking those who pray at synagogues, they may eagerly seek out the advice of palm readers.
Therefore, after considering the revolt of Korach, the sin of the Golden Calf stood out in sharper relief. By reversing the order of the events, a strong point is made. They were not able to accept Moses as G-d’s true prophet, but they were able to dance around a Golden Calf?! It was this contrast that revealed their unfortunate level of corruption.
By Rabbi Michael Skobac
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