Korach

To do and Not to do

Rabbi Laura Duhan Kaplan

Korach challenges the leadership of Moshe and Aharon. Tempers and events get out of hand; the confrontation becomes dramatic and dangerous.

Traditional commentators tend to write about Korach's unproductive approach. He confronts Moshe in front of all the people. He asks for prominent responsibilities for himself, using the disingenuous argument "all the people are holy." He starts a dialogue with Moshe but spurns Moshe's response.  Through it all, he speaks with arrogance and sarcasm.

Modern commentators tend to write about Moshe's mishandling of the situation. He "falls on his face" - that is, he becomes so emotional that he fails to see the person behind the complaint. He doesn't set up a meeting to understand what drives Korach and his followers. He doesn't try to broker a compromise.

Only a few commentators write about what Korach does right: he gathers support and speaks up. Only a few write about what Moshe and Aharon do right: they continue to take responsibility even as the conflict escalates, standing in the middle to demand that everyone calm down.  

Taken together, our commentators offer many good insights for solving group and interpersonal problems. Confront a person privately. Be honest about what you want and why. Remember that dialogue is two-way. Speak respectfully. Listen carefully and try to understand the root of a problem. Wait until everyone calms down. Consider a compromise.

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