IN A NUTSHELL
In this parasha we read the story of Koraḥ and his followers, who rebelled against Moshe and challenged his leadership. The entire generation of people who left Egypt with Moshe was now aware that they would not live to enter the land of Israel. Koraḥ took advantage of their shattered hopes and feelings of frustration. He gathered a rabble of trouble-makers – some from his own tribe, some from the tribe of Reuven, and others who had leadership positions in other tribes – and together they stood against the leadership of Moshe and Aharon and questioned their authority and their motives.
The rebellion failed and the leaders of the rebellion ended up being swallowed by the ground. But the people continued to be restless and to complain. Finally, rods were set out, one for each tribe, and Aharon’s rod blossomed miraculously, sprouting almonds, which was a message of peace and harmony. Then the people truly accepted the authority of Moshe and Aharon.
QUESTION TO PONDER
Do you think Koraḥ would have made a better leader than Moshe?