(2005/5765)

Parshat Korach teaches us the importance of making peace.  First we see that Moshe tried to make peace with Korach, even though Korach wanted Moshe’s job and leveled inappropriate criticism at Moshe Rabbeinu).  Second, Moshe attempted to make peace with Datan and Aviram, even though he already had a history of previous disputes with them (Chazal tell us that they are the ones who tell Pharaoh that Moshe killed the Egyptian).  We would think that after this, Moshe would not even want to make peace, but Moshe nevertheless exerted his best efforts to reach a peaceful settlement.  First Moshe sent messengers for Datan and Aviram, but they refused to come.  Then Moshe, waiving his honor, went himself to Datan and Aviram.  To demonstrate the importance of Shalom, even the Zekeinim followed Moshe on his second try.

The Gemara in Masechet Sanhedrin discusses this concept.  Reish Lakish learns from here than one must not be stubborn in a quarrel.  This idea is based on Rav’s statement that one who is firm and does not give in while engaged in a dispute violates a Lo Ta’aseh, a negative commandment.  The source for this is the Pasuk (Bemidbar 17:5), “VeLo Yihiyeh CheKorach VeChaAdato,” “And let him [i.e. anyone] not be as Korach and his followers.”

Furthermore, the Mishnah in Pirkei Avot (5:16) says that a Machloket LeSheim Shamayim, an argument fought for the sake of heaven, will endure, but an argument not for the sake of heaven will not last.  The Mishnah’s example of a long-lasting dispute is that of Hillel and Shammai; the example brought of a dishonorable debate is that of Korach and his company.

Rav Shimshon Raphael Hirsch comments that both Hillel and Shammai were looking for the truth and the proper understanding of the questions they were studying.  Both sides of their arguments are still studied by people today who wish to fully understand the truth of those topics.  Rav Kehati adds that Hillel’s and Shammai’s discussions established Halachot as they are observed today.  On the other hand, Korach only wanted personal power and glory, and the subject of his Machloket is not touched today.

Midrash Shmuel notes that the Mishnah does not include Moshe’s name along with Korach, since Moshe was actually acting for the sake of heaven.  All the Mishnah says is “Korach and his congregation;” all 250 people had their own agendas, and they only agreed to argue against Moshe.

We see from here that it is always important to make peace with everyone, even one’s enemies. It is fine, even a good idea, to discuss or debate when looking for the truth, when trying to better understand the Torah, as this is for the sake of Shamayim.  However, we should not argue when only motivated by greed.