The Dangers of Disappointment

 The story of Korach is full of ambiguity. For example, what was Korach’s actual complaint? In pasuk Gimmel, Korach argues: “Why have you lifted yourselves above the assembly of G-d?”

        The Midrash Tanchuma writes that Korach’s criticism was directed towards Aharon and his argument to Moshe went as follows: “If you, Moshe, are the king of Israel, then you should not have selected your brother Aharon as the High Priest.”

        However, in providing background to Korach’s rebellion, the Midrash gives an altogether different cause for Korach’s rebellion: “Korach was envious of the princeship of Eltzafan ben Uzziel, whom Moshe had appointed prince over the family of Kehat.”

        Kehat, Korach’s grandfather, had four sons: Amram, Yitzhar, Chetzron and Uzziel. Kehat’s firstborn son was Amram, who was the father of Moshe and Aharon. As firstborn, Amram was entitled to “pi-shnayim” a double portion of land. As the tribe of Levi would not inherit land in Israel, it therefore made sense to Korach that Amram should be bestowed with two positions of rank: namely, kingship, a role filled by Moshe, and the High Priesthood, filled by Aharon. However, there was another position of leadership that had to be assigned, the prince of the Kehatite family. Korach expected to be appointed to this position. After all, he was the son of Kehat’s second oldest son, Yitzhar. As such he felt that he was next in line for the position. Korach was therefore shocked and thrown for a loop when Moshe appointed his cousin Eltzafan considering the fact that Eltzafan’s father, Uzziel, was the youngest of Kehat’s four children.

        So which event set Korach off down his doomed path? Was it his jealousy over Aharon’s position or Eltzafan’s?

        Korach was justified in expecting the position of family prince. There are specific expectations assigned in the Torah to members of a family depending on their birth order. So we can understand and appreciate Korach’s expectations. But what happened when his expectations were not met? What happened when Korach was passed over and the position was given to his younger cousin? What happens when what we thought would happen or should happen does not actually pan out?

        Here is where Korach erred. In such a situation, disappointment is to be expected. Even a little bit of jealousy, and some frustration and anger, though not good things, could have been respected. But the Midrash describes Korach’s reaction. Korach said: “I will therefore rebel against Moshe and nullify his words.”

        It is only at this point that Korach attacks Aharon. His expectations were not met, and he is not appointed prince. In response he lashes out against Aharon. His argument against Aharon is weak. In fact, in the earlier Midrash we learn that at first Korach acknowledged Aharon’s right to the position of Kohen Gadol. Korach’s complaint against Aharon is made out of anger and disappointment, not out of logic.

        Some commentators learn from Korach the power and danger of jealousy. I see within the story of Korach the dangers of disappointment. Even with everything that he had, Korach was unable to deal with the disappointment when his expectations were not met.

        The story of Korach teaches us the need to be flexible. We must be able to handle unmet expectations in a productive and healthy manner.