Parashah Roundup: Korach 5770

by Steve Brizel

The Rebellion of Korach

Rav Soloveitchik ZL explores the unique nature of the rebellion of Korach and its contemporary ramifications: link (audio)

R Mosheh Lichtenstein, based on the commentary of the Netziv, examines the motives of Korach., Dasan , Aviram and their followers: link

R Herschel Schachter reminds us that the complaints of Korach can be traced back to the reluctance of Klal Yisrael at Maamad Har Sinai to accept Torah SheBaal Peh , which was ultimately rejected when the first Mitzos of a Rabbinic nature were instituted in the aftermath of Purim, unfortunately remain alive and well in many sectors of our communities and that Halacha can only be analyzed as a self contained discipline: link 1, link 2

R Berel Wein and R Yitzchak Etshalom discusses the reaction of Moshe Rabbeinu to the arguments of Korach and his supporters: link 1, link 2

R Yissocher Frand suggests why Korach accused Moshe Rabbeinu of seeking honor for himself: link

The Nesivos Shalom, as explicated by R Yitzchak Etshalom, based on the interpretation of the Zohar , R Ephraim Buchwald and R Asher Brander explore the roots of Sinas Chinam and Machlokes Shelo L”Shem Shmayaim: link 1, link 2, link 3

R Asher Weiss discusses the Halachic principal of Mitzvah HaBaah Baverah: link (audio)

R Yonasan Sacks, based on the teachings of R Asher Weiss, illustrates why the attributes of fire and water, which are viewed in the Medrash as the means by which Torah is acquired, were not used in a proper manner in the episode of the spies and the rebellion of Korach: link and explores the idea of Ratzon HaTorah: link

R Avraham Gordimer explores why Aharon HaKohen was a prime target of Korach’s arguments: link

R Baruch Simon illustrates the differences between true and false unity: link (audio)

R Avigdor Nevenzal explores Moshe Rabbeinu’s response to Korach and Chazal’s critique of the response ( Sotah 13b) , especially with respect to a person’s spiritual growth and the danger of being a Nogea BaDavar: link 1, link 2 (audio)

R Shlomoh Riskin reminds us of the critical error and presumption of Korach that merely being present at Maamad Har Sinai rendered anyone on the same spiritual level as Moshe Rabbeinu: link

R Dovid Horwitz, based on a drasha of R Fabian Schonfeld, demonstrates why the staff of Aharon HaKohen was “among the staffs.”: link (audio)

R Dovid Gottlieb analyzes the Halacha of Ain Shliach L’Dvar Averah: link (audio)

R Sir Jonathan Sacks explores why Moshe Rabbeinu’s victory over Korach was incomplete: link

R Aharon Soloveitchik ZL and Yivadleinu Lchaim Tovim R Daniel Z. Feldman analyze the prohibition of engaging in Machlokes: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio)

R Hershel Schachter examines the 24 Matnos Kehunah: link (audio)

Jewish History Department

R D Shnayer Leiman analyzes the roles of several Gdolei HaAcharonim in the Emden-Eibshutz Controversy: link 1 (PDF), link 2 (PDF), link 3 (PDF)

Contemporary Halacha Special

R Shmuel Marcus examines the worms and fish controversy: link (audio)

R Baruch Simon and R Aryeh Leibowitz discuss Hilcos P’as HaRosh: link 1 (audio), link 2 (audio), link 3 (audio)