Engaging our children in the parsha
The following are some suggestions of ideas for conversations with our children by the Shabbos meals. The key here is to get the children involved through debate and stimulation.
Earthquake versus Pi Ho’oretz
Start discussing what does a natural earthquake look like. Imagine the destruction and devastation where whole families die and buildings are smashed. No one is safe as it can strike anyone anywhere. There are different numbers on the richter scale to measure the severity of the earthquake. Once you go into the details you then turn and ask them to imagine how does this compare to the pi ho’oretz, the opening of the ground for Korach’s accomplices.
At first glance it may appear very similar. However, when analysing it in Parshas Korach we see here something unnatural. We see that it is no normal earthquake but had to be created at the end of the creation of the world – on Erev Shabbos Bein Hashmoshes (Avos, 5:9). Here are several differences:
- An earthquake after happening, the ground remains cracked with signs of devastation. However, miraculous by Korach, the earth closed up after swallowing them alive immediately with no signs that it had ever opened! (Ramban, 16:30).
- An earthquake can occur at any random time. Moshe davened to Hashem for it to happen and immediately upon finishing his words the earth opened up (Korach, 16:31) This timing showed again that it was truly miraculous.
- Usually an earthquake strikes randomly and there is no way of knowing for definite which people will be effected. By Korach, only his congregation were effected. When any of them tried to run away, only underneath them did the earth sink in like a slide to bring them to the large opening where all the others had fallen in (see Rashi, Devorim, 11:6). No other Jews were effected!
- After death, people take some comfort when visiting their graves. However, here the earth swallowed them alive and closed up leaving no trace. The place of their deaths are not known and therefore there is no remembrance for them!
When to argue:
Why do people argue? Is it a good or bad thing? On the one hand, through arguing there comes out more Torah. On the other hand, arguments bring with it death and destruction! Which one is true? The secret lies in the Mishna Avos (5: ) where it discusses these two types of arguments: between Shamai and Hillel and between the congregation of Korach and Moshe… The bottom line is if the person’s own interests are driving the argument then it is in danger of ending in rift and strife. An example can be seen from the Bartenura to Avos (5:9) that one of the seven signs of a Chochom, wise person, is admitting to the truth. We are dealing here with a lamden, a person who is able to explain and twist anything by pointing out how here it is different. When such a person has an argument and he realises that what he is saying is not true, this is when he is faced with challenge to admit the truth even though he could squeeze out of it and perhaps even convincingly win the argument! The underlying key is the desire to search for the truth.
Aaron’s flowering stick:
Have you ever heard of a stick that has been cut from the tree and afterwards it continues to flower and grow and develop a fruit? Why would such a thing happen? This unnatural phenomena takes place in Parshas Korach to prove the chosen tribe of Levi…
The 24 Matnas Kehuna: To special people?
Do any of you know a Kohen in your class? Do you know that you have a mitzva to treat him with extra respect – “vikidashtoi“, make him holy! Not only that, but you might even give him presents! Why? What makes him so special? Is it fair? This leads onto this fundamental discussion that is essential to be dealt with in life and a lot in seen in Parshas Korach with the claims of unfairness. This discussion should end off with understanding how we ultimately must realise that certain things are just G-d given. We must accept the fact that a Kohen is born with this natural kedusha, holiness. It is like someone who is born clever. You might not like it but these are the facts. You can either accept it or how a difficult time denying it. The kohen even before he is born is chosen in this position. This can lead to a whole discussion about Kohanim – e.g. where they come first: first aliya in shul, etc. Then you can also bring it onto the 24 types of presents the Kohen is given. …
Moshe and Aaron versus Korach:
Have you ever heard a speech from someone and sat their mesmerised? Some people are smooth talkers that whatever they say sounds convincing. Other speakers are so boring that you find it difficult to listen to them. These two opposite qualities are seen in Parshas Korach and we see the dangers involved. Moshe was “kvas peh vikvad loshoin“, hard of speech with a stutter. Aaron like to take a back seat. On the other hand, Korach was such a smooth talker that he managed to convince 250 elders, great wise people, to join his side! …