THE PERIL POSED BY CONTROVERSY AND CONFLICT

Why is conflict such a scourge? Look no firther than Parshat Korach, which records the story of Korach and his gang of helpers. We read about how they tried to overthrow Moses and Aaron and establish themselves as leaders of Israel.

The revolution was thwarted, and Moses prevailed with the help of God. But many questions remain. Why was Korach’s rebellion considered such a terrible catastrophe? After all, the rebels had a point — didn’t they?

Perhaps God just needed to explain why Moses was more suitable than they were, and that would have been enough. And if a punishment was required, why did it have to be so draconian?

“Machloket” is not the worst of all sins, and yet it is singled out for exceptional critic ism by the Talmudic sages. Why?

Rabbi Dunner explains the background to these questions and then explores some wonderful insights into this phenomenon that offer a broad perspective into the essence of what it means to be a Jew who has faith in God.