No Controversy

Shavua Tov. We learn from פרשת קרח the dangers of מחלוקת,controversy. Pirkei Avot tells us that there is such a thing as מחלוקת לשם שמים, an argument for the sake of Heaven.

This refers to Hillel and Shamai. They had disagreement in their attempt to properly interpret the Torah. They served together as the heads of the Sanhedrin. It is possible that their students had unpleasant disagreements but not Hillel and Shamai themselves.

Korach, on the other hand, was not motivated by holy intentions. He convinced himself that he was justified in questioning the authority of Moshe and Aharon. He really believed that what he was doing was for the good of the people.

What we can learn from all of this is that the best policy is to run away from מחלוקת. Rarely does anything good come from controversy. Harmony and Jewish unity is a far greater aspiration than discord and fighting.