1. The Source and Severity of Machloikes
In Parshas Koirach, particularly in the section of Shlishi, we see the devastating effects of fighting and disagreements within klal Yisrael—the Jewish people. The very source for the halacha that one is not allowed to create machloikes—strife or discord—comes from a verse in this week’s Parsha: “So yiye ki Koirach v’cho’adosoi”—do not be like Koirach and his group who started up with Moshe Rabbeinu. This is the Torah’s warning against divisiveness.
The Parsha describes at length the destruction and punishment that befell those who challenged Moshe Rabbeinu and, by extension, Hashem Himself. It is important to remember that everything Moshe did was by Hashem’s instruction. Moshe Rabbeinu never sought leadership for himself; he actually begged Hashem not to appoint him, but Hashem insisted. Unlike today’s leaders who campaign for office, Moshe was reluctant and only accepted because it was Hashem’s will.
2. Moshe Rabbeinu’s Efforts at Reconciliation
Despite the disrespect and defiance shown by Doson and Aviram, who spoke arrogantly to Moshe Rabbeinu and refused even to meet with him (“Even if you poke out our eyes we won’t come to you”), Moshe still reached out to them. Rashi explains that Moshe hoped his personal approach might inspire some respect or change of heart, but they remained unmoved.
This demonstrates Moshe Rabbeinu’s commitment to peace and unity, even in the face of blatant disrespect. He did not give up on trying to resolve conflict peacefully, setting an example for all generations about the importance of pursuing reconciliation.
3. The Punishments: Swallowing of Korach’s Group and Burning of the 250 Men
The Parsha details two major punishments as a result of the rebellion. First, Hashem opened up the ground, swallowing Korach and all his followers alive as He had warned. Rashi notes that even young children were swallowed up, showing how severe machloikes is—it can make even innocent children into victims because of their parents’ actions.
Next came the 250 men who offered ketores—incense—and were consumed by a heavenly fire. To serve as an everlasting reminder against such rebellion, their pans were hammered into a covering for the Mizbeach—altar—so everyone would remember not to be like Korach and his group who fought against Hashem.
4. The Persistence of Machloikes Despite Clear Signs
One would think these miraculous punishments would end all doubt about Moshe Rabbeinu’s legitimacy as leader. After all this devastation—the earth swallowing rebels alive, fire consuming others—what more proof could anyone need?
Amazingly, the very next day people again complained against Moshe: “Atem amitim es am Hashem”—“You have killed Hashem’s people.” Despite witnessing open miracles and clear signs from Hashem supporting Moshe Rabbeinu, they persisted in their complaints.
This reveals just how powerful and irrational machloikes can be. Rashi explains that these people knew they would not succeed but could not bear for Moshe Rabbeinu to remain leader. Their hatred was so deep-rooted that it clouded their judgment completely—machloikes takes away a person’s ability to think clearly or logically.
5. Ongoing Devastation: The Plague and Its Lessons
The consequences continued: another 14,000 people died in a plague (Maggifa) as a result of ongoing complaints and divisiveness. Even after seeing clear evidence of Hashem’s hand, people continued down this destructive path.
This teaches us that machloikes is not logical or rational—it is an emotional force that can drive people to self-destruction despite all evidence against it.
6. The Importance of Avoiding Machloikes and Pursuing Unity
The lesson from this Parsha is clear: we must go to great lengths to avoid any form of machloikes, divisiveness, or fighting among Jews. Instead, we should strive for unity (achdus) at every opportunity—smoothing things over, working out differences peacefully, respecting one another, forgiving each other, and appreciating what unites us rather than what divides us.
The power of unity is immense: when we are together as one family, no force can overcome us. Unfortunately, sometimes it takes tragedy or crisis for Jews around the world to come together in support and solidarity—a reminder that our natural state should be one of togetherness rather than division.
7. Applying These Lessons Today
If you look online or in public discourse today, there is often fighting between different groups within klal Yisrael: religious versus non-religious, Sephardim versus Ashkenazim, various Chassidic groups against each other—cursing and arguing instead of uniting as one family.
Boruch Hashem, when faced with communal challenges or tragedies (such as missing boys), we see Jews coming together in support regardless of background or affiliation. It is unfortunate that it takes such events to bring about unity; ideally we should learn from Parshas Koirach to foster love (ahavah), care (briyos), forgiveness (slicha), appreciation (hakaras hatov) and respect (kavod) at all times.
8. A Prayer for Redemption Through Unity
If we work on ourselves and our communities to promote unity and togetherness (achdus) rather than division (pirud levavos), we will become stronger than any challenge facing us. May Hashem help us hear only good news (soros tovos). Even today after Maariv may we hear that those who are missing have returned safely home.
Amen! May it be so speedily in our days!