Close To Torah

Korach’s riches gave him power and the ability to influence others. In the end, his family and entire wealth went down to purgatory with him, rendering it all worthless. Korach’s sons here talk about the frivolity of greed and how money can get in the way of one’s pursuit of spiritual growth (Alshich). This needs to be qualified in that there certainly is a level which one can effectively use his or her material gifts to grow and elevate them to a spiritual level. It is when wealth becomes an end it itself and the standard for which one lives that this becomes terribly problematic.

House of Mourning

This psalm is the last of the slew of psalms authored by the three sons of Korach. It is customarily recited in the house of a mourner during the seven days of shiva, initial week of mourning. This is why the psalm ends with the statement that “God will lead us beyond death- to eternity.” This psalm focuses on the most valuable and worthwhile acquisitions of life- that of the spiritual nature as apposed to physical acquisitions. We celebrate the accomplishments of a neshamah in this world by recalling good deeds, Torah, mitzvos and the family that he or she left.

Intensions and Application

The Midrash Socher Tov states that verse 3 says, “the rich and poor can be the same,” refers to the fact that two people can have different statuses and yet end up with the same end. One can be rich in Torah scholarship and the other poor and both can end up in purgatory or both can end up in heaven being rewarded. This Midrash is stating that Hashem looks at one’s capabilities and what he or she did with the knowledge that they had. Someone can be a great Torah scholar such as Doeg or Achitofel but if he does not apply his knowledge into positive action and care for others, then he will end up being punished. At the same time someone can be a simple Jew who lived life with honesty and sincerity and he can achieve great heights comparable with the true scholar.

Korach’s riches and Torah knowledge were of no avail when it came to his risky behavior. When he challenged Moshe and God this was a most serious offence. It is for this reason that the Talmud (Bava Basra) tells us that from his grave where he was swallowed up now Korach finally corrected his mistake. He proclaims, “Moshe and his Torah are truth; I Korach lived a lie.” This psalm focuses on the deep truths in life and the importance of dedicating our lives to its uncompromised pursuit.

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