In Memory of Korach

וַיִּקַּח קֹרַח (במדבר טז, א)

“And Korach dissociated…” (Bamidbar 16:a, Onkelos)

“The mention of a righteous man is for a blessing, but the name of the wicked shall rot (Mishlei 10:7).” The names of the wicked are doomed to oblivion, explains the Talmud (Yoma 38b), for no one would want their child or legacy to bear the name of someone who was corrupt or evil.

Yet, Jewish custom dictates that an entire Parsha is named for its wicked antagonist, Korach, actively perpetuating the name of this evil man. For despite its wrongful manifestation, at the root of Korach’s rebellion against Moshe lies a kernel of truth, a virtue we must aspire to and emulate.

Korach’s rebellion against Moshe was driven by the desire that he be Kohen Gadol. Korach sought not the authority and power that came with the position, but the spiritual empowerment and sanctity that it afforded. Korach envied the Kohen Gadol’s sanctification as “kodesh hakadashim – holy of holies”, apart and above the average person, to stand perpetually before G-d and serve Him. Korach rightfully dreamed for these heights of G-dly devotion to be the fortune of every Jew, about each of whom G-d said, “and you shall be to Me a Kingdom of priests”.

The Parsha is therefore named Korach, but not “ויקח קרח - And Korach dissociated”; we memorialize his name, but not his actions. Korach’s attempt to make his dream a reality – usurping G-d’s explicit instruction that it is only Aharon who shall be Kohen Gadol in practice – is to be condemned, but the lesson to be learned from his lofty aspirations is to be remembered, to serve as an inspiration for all of time. In the words of the Midrash, even Moshe said of Korach’s dreams, “I, too desire the same.”

Likutei Sichos vol. 18, pp. 190-191

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