KORACH - THE DISASTROUS CONSEQUENCES OF JEALOUSY

This week’s parsha is called Korach, which was the name of the illustrious cousin of Moshe and Aaron. Korach possessed everything to which a man could aspire - he was brilliant, came from a noble family, was majestic in appearance, and was the wealthiest man of his time. But all his attainments were to naught because he had no peace - his heart was consumed by jealousy. He coveted the position of Aaron, the High Priest and accused Moses, who had appointed Aaron to that position, of nepotism. His obsession came to a tragic climax in the controversy he fomented which resulted in his death and that of his family as well as many others.
Jealousy is the ugliest trait that a man can harbor. Not only is it pointless - it is also self-destructive. It is pointless because the venomous feelings that envy generates will not alter a situation. What you covet will not become yours, but it will prevent you from enjoying what you do have until it completely destroys you. So, in essence, Korach who had everything, had nothing. All his accomplishments, all his wealth, had no meaning because, in his mind’s eye, all he saw was the crown of the priesthood on his cousin’s head. The story of Korach is especially relevant to our generation. Baruch HaShem, we enjoy so many blessings, and yet we are discontented and ungrateful. Somehow, we always feel that the grass is greener on the other side, and that someone else is better off than we are. We rob ourselves of our peace of mind and make ourselves miserable by envying the lives and fortunes of others.

So how can we avoid jealousy? How can we avoid this awful disease that overtook Korach? How can we become content with who and what we are?
The great Reb Zushya was once asked if he would have preferred to have been born the Patriarch Abraham. To which he responded, “What would the Almighty G-d gain from that? There would still be only one Abraham and one Reb Zushya.” This teaching of Reb Zushya is one that we would do well to contemplate. We must realize that each and every one of us has a special task, and that throughout our lives, we must strive to fulfill that goal. Instead of trying to imitate others, we should probe our own souls and become our own unique selves. Genuine joy can only be found in the knowledge that we are standing at the post to which we were assigned by G-d, that we are fulfilling His Will. Self-aggrandizement and an envious eye can only lead to frustration and disaster. The sooner we realize this, the sooner will we know serenity.
Another key in overcoming envy is alluded to in the very first passage of this week’s parsha in which it is related that Korach took, which means that the life of Korach centered on taking rather than giving. Takers are never content since genuine happiness can only be found in giving. Had Korach realized that, he would have understood that the very essence of life is to help others and create a relationship with HaShem, and that realization would have enabled him to rejoice in the achievements of his fellow man.

Shabbat Shalom
Rabbi Osher


Parshas Korach 29 Sivan 5764
Candle Lighting Time, Fri. June 18, 8:12 PM
Shabbos ends Sat. June 19, 9:21 PM
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