TAKE IT HOME!

Korach, the Torah relates in this week's parsha?that was named after him?started a rebellion against Moses for having?in Korach's mind?arrogated the position of leader for himself and the High Priesthood for his brother.

Korach gathered a group of people around him and demanded that Moses not consider himself above the people who were all holy.

The Torah then relates how Korach and his closest cohorts and family members were swallowed up by the earth and 250 of his associates were burnt by a heavenly fire.

In the aftermath of the tragic rebellion of Korach against Moses, the Torah relates how G-d reinforced the position of Aaron as the exclusive High Priest. This was intended to quell any and ever vestige of concern that Aaron has usurped the role of High Priest from other deserving candidates. This was done by having each tribe contribute a staff to the Sanctuary. The next morning Aaron's staff blossomed and bore almonds. The other staffs remained the same as they were before. This was a clear demonstration that Aaron was G-d's chosen one.

The last verse of this episode reads: "And Moses removed all the staffs from before G-d to all the Children of Israel. They saw [what happened] and each [man] took his staff [back]."

The question has been asked, why does the Torah conclude that they took their staffs back? Who cares what they did with their staffs? Wasn't it enough that they saw the miracle that occurred with Aaron's staff and that their staffs remained the same as they were the day before?

One answer is that each tribe has its own individual quality and purpose. Aaron's quality and purpose was qualitatively different in that he represented all of the Jewish people and just one tribe. He was the High Priest and therefore his role was much more universal, exalted and crucial. Korach and his cohorts?and, perhaps, secretly other tribal leaders?were not content with their individual status. They wanted a more glorious and glamorous role; they coveted the position of Aaron.

After they realized that Aaron was indeed unique and that they were not destined to assume Aaron's role, they could have become depressed. Their staff ended up not having blossomed and changed. There were no beautiful blossoms or nutritious fruits coming out of their staff.

Instead of this negative reaction, the tribal leaders realized that their individual staff may not be so glamorous, but it was theirs. It was their G-d given role that was intended for them specifically, and it was through this individual path that one fulfills one's purpose and life's mission.

The Torah thus states that each of then took their staffs. None of them declared: "Keep the staff; I don't care for it. If I cannot be the head honchos like Aaron, I don't want any part in leading this nation." They humbly accepted the fact that their responsibility was much more limited.

As we approach the Messianic Age we must realize that while there is one leader - the Moshiach - whose staff blossoms and produces fruit - every one of us has to appreciate that their individual role, while not overtly exciting and glamorous, is nevertheless what will make the ultimate difference and "push us over the top" into the Messianic Age.