Parsha Corner: Korach – A Good “Chevra”
In this week’s parsha, the Torah tells us how Korach got jealous that he wasn’t given a leadership position as a Kohen, and ended up starting a rebellion against Moshe Rabbeinu.
The pasuk says “Vayikach Korach” — “and Korach took.” But what exactly did he take? Rashi, Unkelos, and the Gur Aryeh explain that it means Korach mentally separated himself from the rest of Klal Yisroel. It wasn’t just jealousy—he had to fully disconnect from the mindset of the nation, from the belief of “Moshe emes v’soraso emes,” in order to even consider challenging Moshe.
This shows us how powerful it is to be part of a tzibur—a community that keeps you grounded and connected to truth.
Shlomo HaMelech writes in Koheles, “Tov hashnayim min ha’echad” — two are better than one. The mefarshim explain this is referring to learning Torah. Even if someone has strong motivation and clarity on their own, learning with a chavrusah brings something special. There’s accountability, clarity, and often results you just can’t reach alone.
I saw a mashal to help bring home this point:
The Rav of an old shteible once visited a congregant who had stopped coming to shul. He didn’t lecture him or try to convince him. Instead, they sat quietly in front of the fireplace. After a minute, the Rav took the fire poker and pulled one glowing coal away from the rest of the fire. It didn’t take long for the coal to cool down and lose its flame. Then, he pushed it back into the fire—and almost instantly, it lit up again.
The man looked at him and said, “Rebbe, I understand. I’ll be back in shul this Shabbos.”
Even a glowing ember can burn out when it’s on its own. But when it’s surrounded by others, it reignites.
Life throws all kinds of challenges our way—emotional, physical, and spiritual. But when you’re part of a chevra, you’re not going through it alone. That support can make all the difference.
Let’s appreciate the amazing chevra we have in our shul, and use it to lift each other up—to grow in Torah and in life.
Have a wonderful Shabbos!
Rabbi Anton