The Highest Form of Flattery
By Rabbi David Polsky

In many autocratic countries, problems stemming from misrule are often blamed on outsiders. There is nothing wrong with the country, the dictator claims. The reason why people cannot find jobs is because of the enemy.

According to Rabbi Louis Jacobs, the same demagogic tendency is found in Korach. In this week’s parasha, Korach argues that all of the Israelites are equally holy, and that therefore Moses has no right to lord over them (Numbers 16:3). At first glance, Korach appears to be arguing that all Israelites should be treated equally, a very fair claim. Moses seems to be the aristocratic villain.

Upon further inspection, however, these assessments must be reversed. As much as Moses would like everyone to have the gift of prophecy (see Numbers 11:25-29), he realizes that most will never possess such spiritual ability. His goal in leading the Israelites is to help them spiritually develop. Korach, on the other hand, makes no demands of the Israelites. They are already holy and have no need for further growth. Such cynical flattery of the people is far from true egalitarianism, and is no different from the dictator. The narrative of Moses and Korach offers a clear contrast between true leadership and demagoguery.

To those who have read this column over the past year, I would like to thank you for the time you have spent reading each piece. I would also like to thank Andrew Fox for the time he has spent editing each column, as well as the extensive effort he has put into ensuring its appearance each week. To those who have made comments over the past year, I would like to thank you for your many helpful suggestions.

Keep in touch,
Rabbi David Polsky

dpolsky@hotmail.com