Miller's Musings Parshas Korach: the Ungrateful Dead

בס''ד

There is no question that in any leadership struggle there is one side that ends up embittered and resentful.  If one deems themselves worthy of authority, then for their push for power to end in defeat leaves them deflated and often enraged.  Korach fervently believed that he was the one that should have been chosen to be the prince of the tribe of Levi.  When, at the very beginning of Sefer Bamidbar, it was given to another, it was too much for him to bear and it eventually led to his suicidal plot to overthrow Moshe and Aharon.  But if this was indeed the motivation behind his rebellion, why did he wait so long to sow the seeds of discontent amongst the people and instigate this failed coup?  Why did he not immediately react in this way when he learned of his being snubbed?

Any follower of political intrigue and observer of the halls of power, knows that one of the most crucial skills for a person climbing the ladder of control to possess is timing. To go impulsively against one’s enemy without careful thought is foolish and self-destructive.  But to wait for the right moment, when the foe is at their weakest and already in decline, is the surest way of ensuring overall victory.  To attack whilst Moshe was in the ascendancy, having redeemed them from Egypt, begged Hashem to spare their lives after the golden calf and shown himself to be a caring and devoted leader, would have been folly.  Any attempts to incite the people against their beloved teacher would have been met with disdain and anger.  But, says the Ramban, now that they were sentenced to die in the desert and Moshe was unable this time to be their savior.  Now that they could conveniently forget all he had done for them and ‘unburden themselves’ of their gratitude.  Now was the opportune time to garner support for his proposed insurgence. 

A person’s memory is incredibly malleable, prone to persuasion and change both by oneself and others.  It is amazing how often we can soon forget the tremendous kindnesses that have been done for us at our lowest times.  When we feel indebted to someone we are incredibly adept at convincing ourselves that there is no real gratitude needed, either because we do not like to feel beholden to another or because we do not want to be reminded how far we had fallen.  This is something we must be so aware of because ingratitude can often be the truest indication of who we really are and how self-centered or giving we truly may be.  We must remind ourselves of those people who were there for us when we needed them most and ensure we show them the appropriate appreciation and love.  Surely this is the least that they deserve.

*May we be grateful for the incredible gift of Shabbos this week*

לעילוי נשמת לאה בת אברהם 

לעילוי נשמת שרה יעל בת גרשון

לרפואת אלימלך יהושע אהרון בן דבורה רבקה