Yeshayahu Leibowitz once observed that the placement of Korach’s rebellion in the Torah just after the mitzvah of tzitzit at the end of Parshat Shelach is far from a coincidence. He’s not alone in his observation, but his explanation is more relevant to our times than what others have offered. I’d like to share my reading of how he describes the two fundamentally different understandings of kedushah (holiness) presented in these two parshiot – one of which is completely wrong. 

The Tzitzit Reminder: Holiness as a Mission 

Parshat Shelach concludes with the mitzvah of tzitzit: 

“You shall see it and remember all the commandments of the Lord and do them … so that you may remember and perform all My commandments and be holy to your God.” 

The chapter does not describe holiness as an existing condition. Rather, it is a process equated with the performance of God’s mitzvot (commandments).  Tzitzit serve as a reminder that holiness requires effort. Every glance at the fringes redirects a person’s attention back toward a life shaped by Torah and mitzvot.  

The Torah does not say, “You are holy.” It says, in effect, “Observe the mitzvot in order to become holy.” 

Holiness is a mission rather than an accomplishment. 

Korach’s Mistake: Holiness as an Achievement 

Against this backdrop, Korach’s rebellion takes on a deeper meaning. 

Korach – about whom we read last Shabbat outside of Israel – confronts Moshe and Aaron: “For the entire........

© The Times of Israel (Blogs)