Torah Thoughts

Korach, a prominent member of the Levi tribe, challenges Mosha and Aharon’s leadership.  Moshe asks God to show the people a sign that Korach is wrong, whereupon Korach and his followers are swallowed up by the earth.  The people, however, state that one Jew should not kill another, and that Moshe should not have asked God to kill those who challenged him.  God then instructs the leaders of the tribes to label their walking sticks and place them in the Mishkan, and the next day Aharon’s rod bloomed with almond blossoms. 

While the story in itself is interesting, it is also a fascinating study in the challenge or authority.  If you have time, I urge you to read or listen to the late Rabbi Jonathan Sacks’ article on the subject. Links follow:

PDF (English)   
 PDF (עברית)   
Audio

Blooming Rods: Theme and Variations