INSIGHT 5780 - #34: THE PROBLEM OF DEMOCRACY

For  Korach

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The issue upon which we touched upon in this Insight is actually a most interesting one within Torah thought. While there is an obvious value in scholarship, the concept of democracy would seem to also have some value in that we are commanded, in regard to Torah law, to follow the majority. See Shemot 23:2. This, of course, refers to a majority of Torah scholars but nonetheless it applies even if the minority within the group may be greater Torah scholars. See Tosfot, Eruvin 6b in regard to Beit Hillel and Beit Shammai. The democratic value of the individual does have its place within Torah but it must absolutely be balanced with the unique strength of an individual.

This issue obviously further touches upon the definition of the Torah scholar. If there is a specific group within which we are to apply some democratic standards, we must also define these standards and who, as such, has a voice within this group and who would not. In this regard, it is interesting to note that Korach's congregation consisted of scholars but in what occurred, it is clear that their viewpoint was fully dismissed as outside the pale. Democracy has a role within the group of legitimate Torah scholars but we still must properly define this group.

Rabbi Ben Hecht

INSIGHT 5779 - #35: VALUE AND AGENDA

For  Korach
 
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Insight 5777-35: GETTING THE MESSAGE

For Parshat Korach
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Insight 5776-38: BUT REALITY CHANGES

For Korach
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I would like to point out that it is also an acceptance of changing reality that could have been a factor in Korach's mistake. Korach challenged Moshe in that he declared that Moshe promised to bring the people to Israel yet the desert generation was now under a Divine edict that they would perish in the desert without entering the land. Was Korach really arguing that Moshe intentionally lied? Another possibility may be that Korach was using this fact as support for a contention that reality had changed and that Moshe's previous status was no longer applicable.
RBH 

 
Study Question

1)

Insight 5775-35: Leadership

For Korach
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Study Question

1)

Insight 5773-36: The Lesson of Miracles

For Korach
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Study Question

1) A similar issue could be raised in last week's parsha, Shelach, in regard to those who chose, after the case of the spies, to attempt to go up to Israel immediately. Their frame of reference led them to reject Moshe's warning not to go. In this case, it would seem, there was also no chance for further education. How would you understand that?

2) So what happened in Egypt? What was the real effect of the miracles on belief?

Insight 5772-37: Asking the Right Question

For Korach

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Insight 5771-35: The Nation's Holiness

For Korach

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Insight 5770-29: Democracy and Distinction

For Parshat Korach

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Spark of the Week 5756-20: The Motivation of Torah

For Parshiot Bamidbar and Korach

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From their inception in 5753 until 5756, Insights were originally entitled Sparks of the Week.