Korach Essay

The first words of the parsha “Vayikach Korach” – “and Korach took”, it does not tell us what he took. Rashi enlightens us to the idea that “He took himself to one side”.
One of the facts we do know about Korach prior to his short-lived ascent to power, was that he was enormously wealthy. The deceiving nature of money is that it is “earned”. When we have it we feel we deserve it, and when we don’t we feel it is unfair. This mindset is what often propels millionaires to greatness and to strive to gain heights never attained before. There is however one minor misconception that Korach fell for: Every form of greatness can only come from HaShem. It cannot be forced, and it cannot be demanded. Korach’s elevated stature among the community allowed him a unique perspective, and an ‘injustice’: Why do the proletariat not share in the leadership roles?
Yet this call for change was lacking in sensitivity and humility. Korach came to right an injustice, but his true motivation lay in his ego. He did not acknowledge his true gifts, Moshe said to him “hame’at Mikem” is it not enough that you already are a Levite. Yet the word used is “mikem” not “lachem”, ‘from’ you, not ‘for’ you. The Sfas Emes explains that Moshe was telling them that they themselves do not appreciate their roles. If they would only realise that the level of holiness that they have right now is God Given and uniquely suited to them, that would give them the greatest satisfaction. It is specifically because they did not acknowledge their gifts, that they demanded more holiness, thinking it was something earned.

Each and every person constantly strives for greatness, yet it is only when we appreciate our gifts that we already have, that we open the channels to receive more holiness.