KORACH – THE YEARNING FOR HIGH PRIESTHOOD · Sukkat Shalom B'nei Noach

בס”ד

The rebellion of Korach and his assembly is remembered as the ultimate example of a destructive conflict. Yet, if we look beneath the surface, there was a spark of an elevated and positive desire. How can we learn from this story to adopt the positive inner drive, while at the same time, avoid the consequences of destructive conflict?

Korach and his followers did not deny the prophecy of Moses. They knew with absolute certainty that Moses was the faithful servant of G-d. Their error was more subtle: they falsely believed that the divine structures and boundaries could be altered or expanded through human initiative. What truly drove the assembly of Korach was an overwhelming passion for the Priesthood. This desire, in and of itself, was so noble that even Moses validated it, saying, “I, too, desire this.” They desperately wanted to be in the position of the High Priest. On the surface, there seems to be nothing wrong with this aspiration to reach the highest level possible.

Their mistake was failing to realize that the Priesthood is not a human merit to be seized, nor a political position to be transferred. It is a specific role given exclusively by the will of Hashem. The spiritual eagerness of Korach was beautiful, but his actions—splitting the community and rebelling against the established order—were completely unacceptable. He attempted to change the immutable parameters of what is permitted and what is forbidden.

We should never allow that passion to closeness to Hashem, to reach to the point of a transgression of His laws. It is forbidden to alter the commandments by either adding new ones or subtracting from the existing ones. The yearning is permitted but the crossing of unpermitted boundaries is destructive.

This story carries an extraordinary truth for any human being. A Noahide who engages in the study of the Seven Commandments and fulfills them is spiritually equated to the High Priest. One does not need to cross boundaries to achieve the highest level. True spiritual greatness is found in respecting the order of Creation. By walking within the boundaries given to Moses at Mount Sinai—without adding or detracting—we reveal the absolute oneness of G-d, transforming our daily life into a dwelling place for His presence.

By Rabbi Moshe Bernstein

Source: Likutei Sichos Vol. 18 page 187. Rambam Laws of Shmita and Yovel 13:13. Sanhedrin 59a.

If you want more questions for contemplation, SEE THE OTHER BLOGS FROM RABBI MOSHE BERNSTEIN