Torah Commentary
To Serve With Distinction
Korach's rebellion was based on his inability to appreciate the value of diversity and distinctiveness.
The Waters of Lustration: Tears and Tzedakah
Jewish sources suggest tears and tzedakah [charity] as two modern replacements for the Red Heifer.
An Imperfect Hero
Moses' fatal flaw is his inability to wean his people from their dependence on him.
Anger Management
God punished Korah for his inability to channel his anger into productive protest.
Parashat Korach: Summary
Korach and his followers rebel against Moses' and Aaron's leadership and are killed; God instructs Aaron regarding laws of the priesthood.
Institutionalizing Freedom
The combination of Moses' vision and Korach's organizing skills is an instructive model for successful coalition building.
On This Day God Calls To You
Parashat Nitzavim teaches us the importance of viewing ourselves as partners in a dialogue with God.
Highest Standards
Because of his position of leadership, Moses is judged extremely harshly when he sins.
Eco-Kashrut: Standards for What and How We Eat
Incorporating environmental concerns into to the Jewish dietary laws.
Interpretive Independence
The Torah expects us to be our own autonomous interpreters of divine will, turning to Jewish legal experts only when we reach our limits of understanding.