Parasha Summary
Parashat Korach recounts the rebellion led by Korach, Datan, Aviram, and 250 prominent Israelites against Moshe and Aharon’s leadership. Korach, a Levite, challenges Aharon’s exclusive right to the priesthood, while Datan and Aviram reject Moshe’s authority entirely. Moshe responds by proposing a divine test: Korach’s followers are to offer incense, and Hashem will determine who is truly sanctified. The earth miraculously swallows Korach’s faction, and a fire consumes the incense-offerers. Aharon’s staff later blossoms, confirming his chosen status. The parasha underscores the gravity of machloket (dispute) not for Heaven’s sake and reaffirms the divine appointment of leadership and kehunah (priesthood).
