06/12/2026
Shabbat Shalom!
This week's reflection comes from Helaine Sheias, who writes about Parashat Korach, the conflict between Moses and Korach, and how it can illuminate the differences between their approaches to the middot (traits) of manhigut (leadership) and kedusha (holiness)
Parashat Korach: Beacons of Sacred Disagreement
Korach finds followers and confronts Moses and Aaron, insisting that all members of Am Yisrael (the people of Israel) should be considered equal, and that Moses has not earned his position of leadership.
But is this really true? Is Moses elevating himself above all his Hebrew brethren? Many Mussar masters have their own perspective on whether it was Korach or Moses who was correct. Rabbi Eliyahu Dessler states that the people of the world are separated into givers and takers, and that it is our divine obligation to be tzelem Elokim (made in the image of God) by giving freely. His argument is that Korach demands kedusha and manhigut without letting is actions mirror his words.
Rabbi Amy Eilberg speaks on how one of the most important attributes to develop is the ability to disagree with others in ways that re-affirms their basic humanity, what she calls “machloket l’shem shamayim,” or disagreements conducted with mutual respect. Was Korach embodying this in his disagreement with Moses, a disagreement which leads to his death? Or was he favoring his own point of view and not considering others?
Reflection Questions:
• How do you approach disagreements in your life?
• Can disagreements be a way to lead to a more spiritual path?
• How can we communicate with others without dismissing us all being Tzelem Elokim?
May we find the basic humanity in us all, to approach conversation with compassion and empathy, and to see the light in us all.
Wishing you a meaningful and uplifting Shabbat filled with learning, reflection, and blessing.
