Growth is a key element of life. Cells duplicate and then independently grow, and an organism further develops. Plants shed fruits within which are seeds that implant into the ground and spawn the next generation. Every one of us continues to be the result of growth. In the case of humanity, growth is not only physical but spiritual. We take in input from all around us and wonder how we fit into the bigger vista. 

Korach was on a trajectory of spiritual growth. He looked at his cousin Aharon and realized that, as a descendant of Levi, he too was poised for greater spiritual growth –

כִּ֤י כׇל־הָֽעֵדָה֙ כֻּלָּ֣ם קְדֹשִׁ֔ים

“For all the community are holy, all of them”

For all our group is on a higher spiritual level – we are kedoshim. And, as such, why couldn’t Korach take on the same responsibilities as his cousin?

Our parsha describes how Moshe, following HaShem’s directives, shows Korach that he and his followers were not ready to attain the same spiritual level as Aharon and his sons. Korach and his followers are punished for questioning HaShem, Moshe, and Aharon.

Incredibly, Bnai Yisrael also accuse Moshe and Aharon (and indirectly, HaShem) of actually causing the death of Korach and his supporters. A plague breaks out and kills 14,700 members of Bnai Yisrael. Aharon intervenes with a Kapara (atonement) ritual on behalf of the people, and the plague ceases.

In the next scene in the Torah, HaShem requests that Moshe ask each of the tribes to........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)