VOLUME 116 NUMBER 5
Tamuz 1, 5785
June 27, 2025
Parshas Korach
Candlelighting Time 8:14
The mutiny of Korach divided the nation in a fashion heretofore unheard of. Moshe’s authority was challenged and his authenticity was defied and apparently Korach’s oratory ability drew in hundreds of followers. This eroded the nation’s stability and almost seemed to eject Moshe from his seat as the leader of the people. Numerous events occurred that confirmed Moshe’s kingship such as the destruction of Korach and his cohorts, the incineration of the wannabe priests and the plague that engulfed those who still rebelled against Moshe. Still the confirmation of the tribe of Levi was hanging in a precarious balance until the final showdown of the staffs placed in the Mishkan to determine once and for all the prominence of the tribe of Levi. The staff that would begin to blossom would be a sign from Hashem that even a dry piece of wood could ‘come to life’ indicative of the power of Hashem and therefore reliance upon His selection.
However, the next day not only did the staff of Ahron begin to blossom but additionally, buds appeared and almonds were growing. This development was not included in the previous declaration and why indeed did this occur? Ksav Sofer has an incredible insight into this episode. Of course, the blossoming of Ahron’s staff alluded to the fact that his tribe was selected to serve in the Mishkan and later in the Beis Hamikdash. However, the ongoing maturation of the staff indicated the nature of Ahron as a leader in his realm of service in the Mishkan. His intent was solely for the sake of Heaven and as such, he lived in an elevated state of being that transcended the mundane world that the majority of people exist within. Subsequently, his involvement being of such an exalted and sublime nature was able to project upon his representation in the Mishkan, the staff bearing his name, an animated and lively demeanor, hence the appearance of the buds and almonds, alluding to the full expression and expansion of the tribe of Levi as an actual force within the nation, notwithstanding the previous criticism launched against them prior to this event.
He adds that this extraordinary happening is hinted upon in the saying in Pirkei Avos that when one learns Torah sincerely, then Hashem guides him and provides him with the added potential and ability not only to understand clearly what he studies, but also to convey to others what he has grasped from Torah. Therefore, the staff went beyond its original intended purpose of simple burgeoning, but actually thriving and flourishing, an exciting and stirring conclusion of this battle for control of the nation which of course was going to find its zenith in this spectacle.
The expansive ambiance of the growth of the staff portended that those who would have the arrogance to disagree with the appointment of the tribe of Levi would face immediate and severe punishments not only for confronting this tribe but also for contending against the prophetic ability of Moshe who announced this occurrence in the name of Hashem. Hence the Torah prohibits stirring up controversy because of the many negative ramifications that can arise.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
Another insight into the flourishing of the staff of Ahron indicated that anything within influence of Ahron thrived. Therefore, the sacrifices that he brought had an incredible effect upon the nation.
S’FAS EMES
GOOD SHABB0S
