Ahm Kodosh: Parshat Korach Notes & Study Guide

Summary of Parshat Korach:

Korach, a prominent Levite and cousin of Moshe and Aharon, leads a rebellion against their leadership, claiming that all of the people are equally holy and that Moshe has unfairly elevated himself. He is joined by Datan, Aviram, and 250 leaders from the nation. Despite his spiritual pedigree, Korach’s motives are revealed to be rooted in jealousy and a desire for power.

At the heart of the rebellion is a deeper sin noted by the sages: attempting to redefine sacred boundaries, seeking spiritual elevation not by Hashem's command, but through ambition, ego, and pride. Korach's challenge reflects a desire to take what was not Divinely given, rather than to serve within the role assigned. As Rashi on Bamidbar 16:1 notes, Korach’s rebellion began with personal resentment over Elitzafan’s appointment. The Midrash Tanchuma and the Sfat Emet both emphasize that holiness is only real when grounded in humility and obedience to Hashem’s order. Korach cloaked ambition in the language of righteousness—turning truth into a tool of rebellion.

Moshe offers the rebels a test—bring incense offerings and let Hashem choose. Hashem responds by performing a new miracle: the earth opens and swallows Korach, Datan, Aviram, and their followers. Fire consumes the 250 men who brought incense. However, Korach’s sons, who repent at the last moment, are miraculously spared.

To validate Aharon’s priesthood, Hashem causes Aharon’s staff to bloom and bear almonds. This confirms that Aharon was chosen by Hashem, not by Moshe’s will. The parshah closes with laws related to priestly gifts, further affirming the roles Hashem has assigned within Israel’s structure.

I. Talking Points for Class or Chevruta Discussion

1. Korach's Rebellion:

• Why did Korach rebel against Moshe and Aharon?

• How did he disguise his motives?

• What was the spiritual danger in his argument?

1. Language of Holiness as a Weapon:

• "All the people are holy" (Bamidbar 16:3) – what truth was in this, and what was distorted?

1. Structure and Boundaries:

• How does the Torah's structure protect holiness?

• Why can't everyone choose their own spiritual role?

1. Who Was Korach?

• Levi, scholar, Ark carrier (Midrash)

• Cousin to Moshe and Aharon

• Jealous of priesthood roles

1. Datan and Aviram:

• Tribe of Reuven, resented lost status

• Long-time opposition to Moshe (Shemot 2:13–15)

• Defiant to the end (Bamidbar 16:14)

1. Who Was Spared:

• Sons of Korach – repented, held safely on a ledge (Sanhedrin 110a, Bamidbar 26:11)

• On ben Pelet – saved by his wife's wisdom (Sanhedrin 109b)

1. The Earth Opens:

• A new creation (Rashi on Bamidbar 16:30)

• Swallowed them alive (Bamidbar 16:32)

• Voices heard: "Moshe is true..." (Midrash)

1. The Staff Blossoms:

• Aharon's staff bloomed (Bamidbar 17:23)

• True leadership brings peace and life (Avot 1:12)

1. The Arizal & Gilgul:

• Rabbi Yitzchak Luria of Tzfat, 1500s

• Sha’ar HaGilgulim: Souls may reincarnate to complete missions

• Korach’s soul was held, not destroyed

1. Final Reflections:

• Do I seek truth with humility?

• Do I accept the role Hashem gave me?

• Can I bloom where I am planted?

II. Key Torah and Midrashic Sources with Full Texts

• Bamidbar 16:1 – "Korach son of Yitzhar, son of Kehat, son of Levi took [himself to one side], along with Datan and Aviram, sons of Eliav, and On ben Pelet, descendants of Reuven."

• Bamidbar 16:3 – "They assembled against Moshe and Aharon and said to them, 'You take too much upon yourselves, for the entire congregation—all of them—are holy, and Hashem is among them. Why then do you raise yourselves above Hashem's assembly?'"

• Bamidbar 16:14 – "Even if you gouge out our eyes, we will not come up!"

• Bamidbar 16:30 – "But if Hashem creates something new, and the earth opens its mouth and swallows them up with all that is theirs, and they go down alive into the pit, then you will know that these men have provoked Hashem."

• Bamidbar 16:32 – "And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, and all the men who were with Korach and all their property."

• Bamidbar 17:23 – "The staff of Aharon of the house of Levi had sprouted—it brought forth buds, blossomed flowers, and produced ripe almonds."

• Bamidbar 26:11 – "But the sons of Korach did not die."

• Shemot 2:13–15 – "He went out the next day, and behold, two Hebrew men were fighting. He said to the wicked one, 'Why do you strike your fellow?' And he replied, 'Who made you a man, a ruler, and a judge over us? Do you intend to kill me as you killed the Egyptian?' Moshe became frightened and said, 'Indeed, the matter is known!' Pharaoh heard of the matter and sought to kill Moshe, but Moshe fled from Pharaoh."

• Sanhedrin 109b – On ben Pelet’s wife convinced him not to join Korach further, saying, “What do you gain? If Moshe wins, you remain a follower. If Korach wins, you’re still not the leader.” Her modesty and wisdom saved him.

• Sanhedrin 110a – The sons of Korach had a change of heart and were saved by a miraculous ledge inside the earth. They later became ancestors of the prophet Shmuel and composers of Psalms.

• Pirkei Avot 1:12 – "Be of the disciples of Aharon—loving peace and pursuing peace, loving people and bringing them closer to Torah."

• Rashi on Bamidbar 16:1 – Korach's motivation was jealousy over leadership being given to Elitzafan ben Uziel.

• Rashi on Bamidbar 16:30 – This was a “new creation,” a mouth for the earth that had not existed before.

• Sfat Emet on Parashat Korach – Holiness must be accepted in the boundaries Hashem set. True elevation comes through serving in one’s proper role.

• Sha’ar HaGilgulim (Arizal) – When a soul misuses its spiritual potential, it may be “held” in containment until it can return to complete its mission in another life. This is not punishment, but mercy.

III. Reflection Questions for Personal or Group Use

1. When have I used spiritual arguments to hide personal motives?

2. Do I desire honor more than truth?

3. What is one spiritual boundary I’ve struggled to accept?

4. If I’ve been wrong, am I willing to step away like On ben Pelet?

5. How can I make peace like Aharon?

6. Where in my life do I need to stop striving and start blooming?

IV. Vocabulary and Figures

• Korach – Levite rebel; cousin of Moshe

• Datan & Aviram – Reuvenite leaders of rebellion

• On ben Pelet – Early follower who withdrew

• Shmuel (Samuel) – Prophet descended from Korach’s sons

• Arizal – Kabbalist, father of reincarnation teachings

• Sha'ar HaGilgulim – "Gate of Reincarnations" – key text on soul journeys

• Sfat Emet – Chassidic Torah commentary by Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib of Ger

Prepared for the Ahm Kodosh Community – For study, reflection, and elevation.

Preparing for Pesach, April 10, 2025 Class Companion

Pesach Class Reflection Worksheet – Reflection and Integration

Section 1: The Four Exiles Within

Reflect on each of the internal exiles experienced in Mitzrayim. Write briefly about how each one has shown up in your life.

1. Time – Where in your life do you feel like time has been taken from you or misused?

2. Speech – Have you ever silenced yourself or felt unable to speak clearly or truthfully?

3. Boundaries – What boundaries in your life have been hard to keep or define?

4. Memory – What part of yourself or your story have you forgotten or lost touch with?

Section 2: The Seder as a Healing Structure

Each step of the Seder is a spiritual restoration. Use the prompts below to explore how each

part might offer you personal repair.

1. Kadesh – What would it mean to declare one hour of your life as holy and protected?

2. Urchatz – What have your hands been involved with that you wish to cleanse and

rededicate?

3. Karpas – Can you think of a place where joy and sorrow meet in your story?

4. Yachatz – What part of your life feels broken? How could that be the place where

redemption enters?

Section 3: Sparks from the Nations

If you are not Jewish by lineage, reflect on how this class made space for your story.

1. Do you feel spiritually included in this tradition? Why or why not?

2. What sparks do you carry that feel like they belong to this sacred structure?

3. What do you want to carry forward after this class?

Section 4: Closing Reflection

1. What was the most surprising or meaningful part of the class for you?

2. How do you plan to carry one part of this learning into your life in the week ahead?

3. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear one piece of what you’ve received

tonight?

Seeing the Good in Others Worksheet – Class Companion: February 5, 2025

Rabbi Dovid Biederman of Lelov was known for his ability to see the good in others, even when others could not. This worksheet will help you reflect on his teachings and apply them to your own personal growth and interactions.

Understanding the Concept

The foundation of Rabbi Dovid’s teachings is based on these Torah principles:

• Bereishit 1:27 – “And G-d created man in His image.”

→ Every human being carries Divine potential.

• Pirkei Avot 1:6 – “Judge every person favorably.”

→ This is a directive, not a suggestion.

• Vayikra 19:18 – “Love your fellow as yourself.”

→ This is one of the greatest commandments in the Torah.

Reflection Question

• How do these verses challenge the way you view others?

(Write your response below.)

The Power of Perception

The Baal Shem Tov taught that how we perceive others actually influences their behavior.

• When we see the good in someone, we help draw that goodness out in them.

• When we judge negatively, we reinforce negativity.

Reflection Questions

• Have you ever been around someone who expected great things from you?

→ How did that make you feel?

• Have you ever been pre-judged negatively?

→ How did that impact you?

Exercise

Write about a time when someone’s belief in you helped you rise to the occasion. (Write below.)

Practicing Ayin Tovah (A Good Eye)

Choose someone in your life whom you struggle with. Identify three qualities that they possess that you can appreciate.

Reflection

Has seeing their good qualities changed your perspective? (Write below.)

Stories of Rabbi Dovid

Rabbi Dovid saw the good in everyone, no matter their past. Consider these stories and reflect on their messages:

1. Seeing Good in a Thief

• Rabbi Dovid once encountered a known thief. Instead of judging him, he greeted him warmly and pointed out his intelligence and potential.

• The man was so moved by the Rebbe’s faith in him that he changed his ways.

2. Feeding Without Judgment

• During a famine, Rabbi Dovid gave food to everyone—Jews and non-Jews alike.

• When questioned about this, he simply said:

“A hungry soul is a hungry soul.”

Reflection:

• What can these stories teach us about how we should approach others? (Write below.)

Kabbalistic Insights

Rabbi Dovid’s approach aligns with deep Kabbalistic teachings:

• Malchut (Kingship) & Humility – He reflected Divine light through service.

• Gematria of דוד (14) – “Yad” (hand), symbolizing giving and connection.

• Double Dalet (ד) – Represents humility and being a doorway for others to enter holiness.

Exercise:

• Think of a way you can help someone else feel seen and valued this week. (Write below.)

Weekly Challenge

This week, take on the following practice:

1. Each day, find a different person and identify a positive quality in them.

2. Express appreciation for someone in your life in a meaningful way.

3. Refrain from speaking negatively about anyone for one week.

Reflection:

• Write about what you learned from this challenge. (Write below.)

Final Reflection

Rabbi Dovid taught:

“If G-d sees the good in us, how can we do any less for others?”

What is one action step you will commit to in order to apply this wisdom? (Write below.)