1. Reflections on Gimel Tammuz and the Rebbe’s Legacy
This week’s Torah and Tea coincides with Parshas Korach and Rosh Chodesh Tammuz, bringing our thoughts to the upcoming third day of Tammuz—Gimel Tammuz—the hilulah—anniversary of the Rebbe’s passing. This time evokes mixed emotions: on one hand, we deeply miss the Rebbe’s physical presence, his motivating and encouraging energy; on the other, we recognize our responsibility to continue living by his teachings and instructions even after his physical separation from us. The Rebbe’s inspiration endures, much like a commander whose influence continues to guide his soldiers even after he is gone. The Rebbe left us with a powerful message and a living legacy that persists through our dedication and actions.
As we approach Gimel Tammuz, it is fitting to draw lessons both from the Rebbe’s words about this date and from Parshas Korach, as discussed in Likkutei Sichos volume 18 and other sources. We strive to connect these themes, drawing strength from the Rebbe’s ongoing influence in our lives.
2. Korach’s Challenge: Human Nature and Leadership
The story of Korach centers on his challenge to Moshe Rabbeinu’s leadership. Korach was a scholar, wealthy, and distinguished—by all accounts someone who could expect a position of honor. When Moshe appointed Elitzafon ben Uzziel as leader of the Kehos family instead of Korach, Korach felt slighted and set out to disrupt Moshe’s authority. His grievance was rooted in personal offense at being passed over for leadership.
This dynamic is timeless: despite advances in science, medicine, and technology, human nature remains unchanged. People still struggle with feelings of being overlooked or not receiving due respect. Korach’s reaction—allowing personal hurt to drive him toward irrational disruption—mirrors situations we see even today when individuals feel slighted or undervalued.
Moshe Rabbeinu had always acted according to Hashem’s command, not out of nepotism or self-interest. In fact, Moshe had tried to avoid leadership altogether. Yet Korach’s sense of injustice led him to incite others against Moshe, demonstrating how personal grievances can escalate into communal conflict.
3. The Structure of Kehos and Korach’s Motivation
The family structure within the tribe of Levi is significant here: Kehos had four sons—Amram (father of Moshe, Aharon, Miriam), Yitzhar (Korach’s father), Chevron, and Uzziel (father of Elitzafon). Leadership roles were given according to Hashem’s instructions through Moshe. When Elitzafon was chosen over Korach for a leadership position among the Kehosites, it stung all the more because Korach saw himself as deserving due to his lineage and accomplishments.
If Korach had been less distinguished or less invested in his own status, perhaps he would have accepted being passed over more gracefully. Instead, he allowed his sense of entitlement to fuel an agenda that ultimately led him—and many others—astray.
4. The Deeper Issue: Connection Versus Separation
Korach argued for equality among all Jews—kol ha’edah kulam kedoshim—the entire congregation is holy—questioning why there should be any distinction between Kohanim (priests) and ordinary people. Yet paradoxically, he also sought the role of Kohen Gadol for himself. Chassidic literature explains that what Korach truly wanted was separation: leaders should remain apart from the people rather than serve as their teachers or guides.
The Torah responds by instituting gifts for Kohanim and Levi’im—twenty-four types in total—including trumah, challah, bikkurim, portions from sacrifices, etc.—to foster connection between leaders and community members. These gifts symbolize relationship: teaching flows from leaders to people; support flows back through gifts; a bond is formed rather than a divide.
The Rebbe emphasizes that this connection must extend from the greatest leaders down to every individual Jew—the highest must be linked with the lowest so that no one is left out or disconnected.
5. Lessons from Gimel Tammuz: Redemption Amidst Challenge
The third day of Tammuz has historical significance beyond being the Rebbe’s hilulah. On this date in 1927, the Previous Rebbe was released from prison (where he faced a death sentence for spreading Yiddishkeit) but sent into exile in Kastrama before being fully freed ten days later. Even while under Soviet control—in an “in-between” state—the Previous Rebbe continued his work undeterred.
This episode teaches that true redemption isn’t only when one is completely free; it is also manifest when one can continue their mission even amidst adversity—with help coming unexpectedly even from former adversaries. The miracle is greater when one overcomes challenges rather than simply coasting through ease.
This parallels giving gifts not only to Kohanim (which sanctifies) but also Levi’im (where some remains mundane)—showing that connection must reach every level and circumstance within Am Yisroel.
6. The Rebbe’s Approach: Universal Connection
The greatest gift the Rebbe gave us is Torah—but more than that, he taught us about connection across all levels. The Rebbe taught Halacha, Chumash, Talmud, Kabbalah, Chassidus—all at the highest level—yet never distanced himself from those furthest away from holiness (Kiddusha). He reached out equally to scholars grappling with complex halachic issues and young people struggling with negative thoughts or behaviors.
This stands in stark contrast to Korach's model of separation between leaders and laypeople—or contemporary communities where religious leaders remain aloof from their constituents. The Rebbe embodied connection: every Jew mattered regardless of spiritual standing or observance level.
7. Miracles as Messages: Aaron's Blossoming Staff
Moshe Rabbeinu repeatedly proved his legitimacy as Hashem's messenger through miracles—the earth swallowing up rebels; fire consuming 250 incense-offerers—but complaints persisted among Bnei Yisroel regarding Aharon's appointment as Kohen Gadol (Kohen Gadol). Hashem then instructed each tribal leader to place their staff in the Ohel Moed; Aharon's staff blossomed with flowers and almonds overnight—a clear sign.
This miracle differed because it unfolded naturally: first flowers appeared on Aharon's staff, then small fruit formed before maturing into almonds (shekedim). This process mirrored natural growth rather than instantaneous transformation—a message that once Hashem chooses someone for a role (like Aharon), they become naturally suited for it; their qualities are divinely bestowed so they truly deserve their position—not just because “Hashem said so.”
This addresses a deeper need than mere obedience (“because I said so”); it fosters understanding and acceptance by showing that those chosen possess unique qualifications granted by Hashem Himself—even if their worthiness isn’t immediately apparent due to past mistakes or doubts among others.
8. Personal Application: Belief in Our Mission
The lesson extends beyond Aharon: sometimes we view ourselves as “sticks”—unworthy or incapable—but if Hashem entrusts us with a mission or task, He grants us the necessary strengths (koach) and understanding (moach) to fulfill it naturally. The miracle isn’t just external validation—it transforms us internally so we become fit for our calling.
The Rebbe constantly encouraged us not to underestimate our potential—to believe we can accomplish far more than we imagine in learning Torah, davening (davening—prayer), outreach (kiruv)—and not limit ourselves based on perceived shortcomings.
This message resonates especially on Gimel Tammuz: connecting ourselves with the Tree of Life—the Rebbe—and remembering that Tzaddikim—righteous ones—never abandon their flock but continue blessing us until we merit Moshiach Tzidkeinu together with our Rebbe physically revealed speedily in our days—Mamesh Mamesh!