בס”ד
This blog post is a summary of a powerful lesson on the significance of words, as explored in the parsha Korach. It’s definitely worth watching the full lesson on YouTube for a deeper insight. Here, we share some key ideas and practical lessons on how we can use our speech in daily life to build rather than break.
Korach, Rebellion, and the Hidden Test of Sincerity
Parashat Korach tells one of the most explosive and thought-provoking stories in the entire Tanakh. Korach, a member of the tribe of Levi, stages a rebellion against Moses and Aaron. He challenges their leadership with a bold and seemingly righteous claim:
“You take too much upon yourselves, for all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves over the assembly of the L-rd?”
— Numbers 16:3
At first glance, Korach’s words sound progressive—even noble. Equality, holiness, shared access to
G-d. But what begins as a protest for fairness ends in catastrophe. The earth opens its mouth and swallows Korach and his followers alive.
This dramatic story raises deep, timeless questions:
When is rebellion noble, and when is it toxic? When does a call for equality mask a hunger for control? How can we distinguish genuine leadership from self-serving charisma?
A Cautionary Tale for Our Times
Though this episode occurred in ancient Israel, its lessons feel remarkably current. For Noahides—those living outside the Jewish covenant but seeking closeness with Hashem—the themes of sincerity, humility, and spiritual integrity are profoundly relevant.
In an era where rebellion is often glamorized and traditional structures are constantly
questioned; how do we discern the difference between authentic moral courage and ego-driven defiance?
Korach’s language sounds familiar in our modern world. He speaks in terms of equality and shared holiness. His message could easily appear in a viral social media clip: “We’re all holy! Why should you lead?”
But the Torah pulls back the curtain and shows us what’s really happening.
The Personal Masked as the Ideological
Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook and Rav Elchanan Wasserman both warned of ideologies that claim moral high ground while being driven by unrefined character traits—especially envy and pride. Writing in the turbulent pre-Holocaust years, Rav Elchanan observed that many secular movements claimed to stand for justice but were, in fact, fueled by jealousy and a desire for power.
Korach is the archetype of this danger: a man whose ideological rebellion is born from a personal grievance. The Midrash explains that Korach felt slighted when a cousin—not himself—was appointed to a leadership position. His “holy” language cloaked a bruised ego.
We see this dynamic all the time today. A public figure rails against injustice—but their real motive is personal resentment. A CEO preaches fairness while clawing for prestige. Even within religious communities, someone may speak of truth and purity while secretly craving someone else’s influence.
Leadership as Service
Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch taught that in Jewish thought, public office dignifies the person only because it is service of the community. Leadership is not about domination—it’s about devotion. And that’s the very truth Korach failed to grasp.
Moses did not seek power; he was chosen despite his reluctance. Aaron did not crown himself; G-d did. Leadership in the Torah is about mission, not ambition.
Viral Doesn’t Mean Valid
Today, social media platforms like TikTok and X (formerly Twitter) have democratized influence. Anyone with a phone can become a public figure. On one hand, this is empowering. On the other, it creates a dangerous illusion: that visibility equals truth.
How often do we hear influencers say, “I can’t stay silent any longer,” or “Now it can be told”? Their messages often go viral not because they are wise or true—but because they are extreme or entertaining. Popularity becomes a proxy for authority.
But the Torah reminds us: Truth is not measured in likes, shares, or retweets. It’s measured by wisdom, humility, and moral clarity. When someone calls out injustice or questions power, we must ask: Is this truly about accountability—or is it about clout?
Flattening Roles Isn’t the Answer
Korach didn’t just challenge Moses; he challenged the very idea of designated spiritual roles. He wanted everything flattened: no more kohanim, no more hierarchy. “We’re all the same,” he insisted.
And in a way, he wasn’t entirely wrong. The Torah teaches that every person is created b’tzelem Elohim, in the image of G-d. Every person has dignity. Every person can pray.
But access is not the same as assignment.
There are two divine models of governance in Jewish thought:
- The Straight Path – marked by structure, roles, and accountability.
- The Circular Path – marked by unity, shared presence, and compassion.
Both are holy. But the Torah emphasizes the straight path in this world, because it allows for clarity, responsibility, and differentiation. Flattening roles in the name of equality may sound compassionate, but it can lead to chaos and rivalry.
True peace doesn’t come from erasing differences—it comes from honoring them.
Mission, Not Position
Moses understood something that Korach didn’t: leadership is a response, not a pursuit. That’s why he remained calm in the face of rebellion:
“Tomorrow G-d will make known who is His.” — Numbers 16:5
Moses didn’t panic, because he wasn’t defending his position. He was fulfilling his mission.
This offers a powerful message for Noahides:
You don’t need to be a rabbi. You don’t need to take on roles that don’t belong to you. But you do have a mission—one that no one else can fulfill.
As Viktor Frankl wrote:
“Man does not simply invent his mission—he detects it.”
The Power of Speech and Division
One final layer: Korach’s rebellion wasn’t private. He gathered 250 followers. He made it public. It became a spectacle.
The Talmud teaches that lashon hara—destructive speech—tears down the fabric of society. The Baal Shem Tov explained that division creates a spiritual breach. Where there is division, the evil inclination enters.
Korach didn’t just challenge Moses. He divided the people. He weaponized speech. And in doing so, he endangered the entire community.
Today, with our culture of online takedowns, public shaming, and performance outrage, Korach’s mistake is more relevant than ever.
We need more truth-speakers, not attention-seekers.
More givers, not graspers.
More quiet strength, not loud spectacle.
That might be the most revolutionary act of all.
May we be blessed to walk the path of Moses—with humility, mission, and faithfulness to the roles we are truly called to fulfill.
By Rabbi Tani Burton
More shiurim of Rabbi Tani Burton
© Copyright, all rights reserved. If you enjoyed this article, we encourage you to distribute it further.
Our blogs may contain text/quotes/references/links that include copyright material of Mechon-Mamre.org, Aish.com, Sefaria.org, Chabad.org, and/or AskNoah.org, which we use in accordance with their policies.
