Kōrakh and Collective punishment / קרח און קאָלעקטיווע שטראָף
Collective punishment in Tōrah highlights the necessity of collective liberation.
This is a weekly series
of parsha dvarim (Tōrah commentary) written by a frum, atheist, transsexual anarchist. It's crucial in these times that we resist the narrative that Zionism owns Judaism. Our texts are rich—sometimes opaque, but absolutely teeming with wisdom and fierce debate. It's the work of each generation to extricate meaning from our cultural and religious inheritance. I aim to offer comment which is true to the pshat (i.e. engages with the plain meaning of the text, especially when its difficult) and uses Tōrah like a light to reflect on our modern times.
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Content note
Collective punishment (in the Tōrah and in the abstract); mention of war and genocide in Palestine
Power struggle against hierarchy
The parsha this week is dominated by the power struggle between brothers Mōshe Rabeynu and Ahrōn haKōhen vs. Kōrakh and his followers. Because Mōshe and Ahrōn are divinely designated as community leaders, Hashem takes offense at the attempted coup and wants to annihilate the entire community as punishment for Kōrakh's insolence. Twice, Mōshe and Ahrōn try to talk Hashem out of it, arguing against collective punishment, but they only partly succeed.
This parsha is full of beautiful/horrible magical imagery and difficult verses for those of us against hierarchies.
There are many explanations for why Kōrakh was wrong, but I'm not especially interested in that. I'm more interested in what happens to the group when we're all punished for someone else's transgression. Collective punishment is not justified, but/and it highlights the need for collective liberation. We are inextricably linked to each other, whether we like it or not.
"The ground under them burst asunder, and the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up"
Kōrakh, a Leyvi supported by a band of 250, challenges the hierarchy of the Kōhanim (priesthood) and openly questions Mōshe and Ahrōn's power. He asserts that all the Jews are holy, and it's wrong for Mōshe and the Kōhanim to rule over them and treat them like runaway slaves. Mōshe rebukes him, reminding him that Leyvis already have special roles and privileges in the community. Mōshe instructs Kōrakh and the others to make incense offerings (as the Kōhanim do), promising that Hashem will choose whoever is worthy of the priesthood. The mechanism by which Hashem will demonstrate His choice is unstated.
The Israelites all gather at the entrance to the Mishkon, and Hashem tells Mōshe and Ahrōn to stand back so He can annihilate everyone. Mōshe and Ahrōn appeal to Hashem for mercy against collective punishment.
Bmidbar 16:22
Mōshe has a troubled relationship with Hashem. He must constantly talk him off the ledge, reminding Him of His promises and begging Him not to kill everyone. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. Hashem is a very powerful friend to have, but He's also a liability.
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