July 2/05 — Shabbat Korach

Commentary by Chazzan Aníbal Mass

One of the first episodes in this week’s Parashah is the rebellion of Korach. The Midrash teaches us that Korach was a man who possessed countless fortunes; power; great astuteness; reputation; family; friendships. In summary, Korach could be considered the most satisfied and happy man on earth.

But, it was not so. He was unsatisfied, and for that reason, he was unhappy. He lacked one thing, a little thing: humility.

Humility is recognizing the value of each person, of each thing, of each quality. Humility is making an effort to transform something potentially positive into something real. Humility is trusting that the best is allied to the good. Humility is being conscious that failing is not humiliation, nor is success a reason to be proud and to reject others.

Korach didn’t have humility. And when humility is not present, then one lives an unsatisfied life. Economic fortune seems like misery. Health seems like illness.

So, “poor” Korach, though he had everything, had the sensation of having nothing. And Korach expressed his lack of humility by rebelling against Moses and Aaron. He and his accomplices sought to become the leaders of Israel; that is to say, they didn't accept the leadership that the Eternal One had arranged for His people.

Between the screams and challenges of the rebels, God put in evidence His will, demonstrating openly that political control should remain in the hands of Moses, and the kehunah—the priesthood—should remain with Aaron and his descendants. It was God who took charge of putting things in their right place.

What happened with Korach, the one that had everything except humility? How did the life of the one who always wanted to be a little higher finish? Korach and his followers, instead of ascending to become the leaders of the Israelites, were swallowed by the earth.

My understanding of such symbolism is that if we want to ascend, it is indispensable to be humble and correct, because otherwise, instead of ascending—we descend.