Aharon's Staff

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1. Two Complaints of the Nation, and the Re-Appointment of Aharon

   Prof. Jonathan Grossman

   Parashat Korah raises some questions regarding the order of the various complaints. This article offers an analysis of the complaints and challenges of Bnei Yisrael.

2. The Election of the Tribe of Levi

   Rabbi Ezra Bick

   The story of Korah ends with the flowering of Aharon's staff. The story is immediately followed by God's commandment to the Priests and Levites. Apparently the flowering of the staff was not only an indication of Aharon's position, but of God's choice of the entire tribe of Levi. Why does this choice require reinforcement? Apparently Aharon's special task stems from his tribe, and the unique role of the tribe stems from the nation. Kedusha belongs to the group as a whole, but each component plays a different role to enhance and support kedusha.

3. Of Sticks and Stones

   Rabbi Chanoch Waxman | 30 minutes

   How did Moshe and Aharon fail to sanctify God at Mei Meriva, and why are they not permitted to enter the Land of Israel? We will gain insight into these matters by viewing our Parsha in its larger context of BeMidbar, and comparing the "stick" in our Parsha with Aharon's flowering stick in Parshat Korach and with the stick in the Parshat Beshalach.

4. Two Complaints of the Nation, and the Re-Appointment of Aharon (audio)

   Prof. Jonathan Grossman | 13 minutes

   Bnei Yisrael are not afraid to accuse Moshe and Aharon of putting 250 men to death after the test involving the “fire pans and incense” test. Why do Bnei Yisrael fear approaching the holy precinct only after the second test - one with no deaths at all, the one with the flowering of Aaron’s staff?

5. Korach and the Power of Democracy

   Rabbi Alex Israel | 39 minutes

   One troubling aspect of Parshat Korah is that the rebellion never dies down. That seems to be because there are real issues here - Moshe and Aharon seem to have all the closeness to God, and the people do not share in the leadership or decision-making. So what was the problem with Korach? Is it possible for non-Leviim to attain holiness? The example of Shmuel ha-Navi provides a key.

6. Yirmiyahu’s Prophecy of Consecration - The Visions

   Rabbi David Sabato

   Despite the similarities between the vison of the almond rod and the vision of the boiling pot, there is a striking difference between the two visions. In the vision of the pot, the calamity is explicitly stated in the words of God, and even the direction from which it will come is explicitly noted. In the vision of the almond tree rod, on the other hand, the impending calamity is not explicitly mentioned. Indeed, references to God’s “haste” in fulfilling His Word appears later in Yirmiyahu's prophecies and allows for interpretation in two directions. It falls upon Yirmiyahu to identify in his prophecies of doom not only the catastrophe, but also the good that is concealed within them as the foundation for rebuilding.

   Additionally, it falls upon Yirmiyahu to stand firm and fearlessly proclaim the words of God; at the same time, God will strengthen him and protect him from those who wish to harm him. The threat and the encouragement highlighted in these verses were meant to prepare Yirmiyahu for the difficult trials that he would be forced to undergo over the course of his prophetic mission – real mortal danger and acute suicidal thoughts.

7. Aharon - Tanakh Profiles

   Rabbi Jonathan Mishkin

8. Korah’s Argument - Human nature and the nature of the authorities

   Rabbanit Dr. Michal Tikochinsky