The Good Wife

One of the side points learned from the episode with Korach, is the positive influence of a good wife, and the negative influence of a bad wife.

The good wife was married to און בן פלת from the tribe of Reuven. She convinced her husband that he had nothing to gain by joining the rebellion. He would end up subservient to Korach instead of Moshe Rabbeinu. And if things went badly, it would not be good for him or his family.

Korach’s wife influenced him negatively. She riled him up into thinking that he wasn’t getting a fair shake. She convinced him that Moshe and Aharon were power hungry, and he needed to make things right.

The Talmud in Masechet Yevamot discusses the importance of marriage, and how fortunate is the man who is blessed with a good wife. There are very candid and even humorous discussions. In one discussion, Rav Yehuda read a verse to his son that said, “I have found the woman to be more bitter than death.” Rav Yitzchak asked his father to whom this verse was referring. Rav Yehuda answered, “Your mother!” This answer was puzzling because Rav Yehuda, himself, was quoted as saying that one of the joys of life is to grow old with the wife of your youth. He clarified his position by saying that his wife had a bad temper but got over it quickly.

The Rambam gives detailed suggestions for a happy and holy Jewish marriage. It is based on love, honor, and mutual respect for one another. Each one makes great efforts to act in a way that is pleasing to their spouse . This is the way for more wives to be like On Ben Pelet, rather than the wife of Korach, who brought about his demise.