Shabbat Forshpeis
A Taste of Torah in Honor of Shabbat
PARSHAT KORACH
THE SIN OF INDIFFERENCE AND NEUTRALITY
JULY 4-5, 2003 / 5 TAMMUZ 5763
The Torah in this week's portion identifies with absolute clarity
those who participated in the rebellion against Moshe. Led by Korah, the group included Datan, Aviram, On and 250 leaders of the congregation (nesee'ay edah). (Numbers 16:1-2)
Therefore it seems strange that God threatens to destroy the whole congregation (ha'edah)? (Numbers 16:21)Moshe reflects this confusion as he asks God, "Will you destroy the whole congregation for the sins of the few?" (Numbers 16:22)
The issue becomes even more confusing when we consider God's response to Moshe's question. God says to tell the congregation to separate from Korah and his cohorts. (Numbers 16:24)This is difficult because there is no indication from the Torah that the larger congregation was actively involved in the revolt at all.
From God's command to Moshe it is clear, however, that, although the larger congregation was not active in the rebellion, many remained near Korah and his group. There are two ways to read this association of the greater congregation. Both possibilities bring out a problem with the way the congregation acted.
First, their standing with Korach may have very well given the impression that, although not active in the rebellion, they believed in Korah and agreed with his cause. In the words of Malbim, "God answered him (Moshe) that His wrath was caused by the fact that the standing near the wicked implied that they (the congregation) had condoned their (the conspirators') actions.By keeping away they would show that they did not share their views."
In other words, the larger congregation stayed passively near Korah, not actively in rebellion, but remaining neutral. This is a troubling phenomenon that is so common in our society as well. From a certain perspective, I have more respect for someone who disagrees with me and voices his/her opinion accordingly, than someone who remains neutral waiting to take sides depending upon how things work out - opportunists par excellence. The former stand for something, the latter stand for nothing.
But there is another way to read the actions of the congregation. It may have even been that the larger congregation agreed with Moshe, but stood quietly. That reading is also difficult. If you disagree with a cause, it is understood why one would not act, but if you agree with a cause and, for a variety of reasons, do not act, then there is little excuse. Indifference, an unwillingness to become involved, more than taking the wrong position, is the greater sin.
This parsha teaches that those who stood neutrally or indifferently near Korah were punished, as they did not have the backbone to separate themselves from Korah's evil.
Judaism, unlike most contemporary legal systems, believes that it is our obligation to stand up in the face of wrong. Silence is not good enough, even to the point where it is a criminal offense to be witness to wrong and sit idly by. (Leviticus 19:16) May we never see evil, know it or feel it, but if we do, may we realize the importance and obligation to stand up strong and not act with neutrality or indifference.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Avi Weiss
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