Rabbi Howard Morrison

Dear Congregational Family,

My on line Pirkei Avot class and this week's Parsha of Korach converge with a timely lesson.

It is said that Parshat Korach is always timely because it deals with dispute and division in the Jewish community, which sadly persist from generation to generation. Korach is considered the paradigmatic divisive character in Jewish history.

In Pirkei Avot, the following lesson is taught. "A dispute for the sake of heaven has lasting value. A dispute not for the sake of heaven does not have lasting value. An example of the former is the dispute of Hillel and Shammai. An example of the latter is the dispute of Korach and his cohorts."

In the above text, Korah and his cohorts are already divided before they take their propaganda to Moses and Aaron. Korach and his followers were only interested in their respective political gains.

When Hillel and Shammai disputed over the interpretation of Jewish Law, both were sincere and validated each other. Elsewhere in the Talmud, we learn why the view of Hillel is followed in most of their disputes. Hillel would first explain the position of Shammai with respect and accuracy before sharing his position. Hillel knew that most disputes were based on at least two different perspectives or narratives. He always sought to understand all points of view before presenting his own. Thus, Hillel was known for carefully reasoned articulations, which led to his positive reputation.

In all matters of dispute, in every generation, we can learn from the merit of Hillel and understand the damage caused by Korach and those like him.

Rabbi Howard Morrison