A father once told one of his sons that he would be responsible for the household while he was away. He then told another son that he should assist his brother and that he gave his brother explicit instructions for him. Before leaving, he went to the rest of his children, and told them, “You are all so special, and I love you.” These two sons were given a lot of responsibility, but they loved their father and planned to fulfill his requests. Two days into their father not being home, one of their siblings riled up the other four siblings and said, it isn’t fair that they are trying to do everything, we want to be in charge of some things, so why should they get to be the bosses and be more special than us? So, with this anger, they go up to the two brothers and tell them exactly that.
This story is in this week’s Parsha when Moshe and Aaron are accused of taking too much responsibility and power by Korach and his followers. Hashem, our father, gave this responsibility to Moshe and Aaron, it was not their choice, and he tells Korach that they will find out who Hashem chose in the morning. However, that is not all that he says. Moshe says back to them הַֽמְעַ֣ט מִכֶּ֗ם (is it not enough for you)? Moshe reminds Korach, you are special, you are from the tribe of Levi, is your allotted portion not good enough for you?
In Pirkei Avot 1:4, it says ״אֵיזֶהוּ עָשִׁיר? הַשָּׂמֵחַ בְּחֶלְקוֹ (Who is wealthy? The person who is happy with his portion.)” Korach and his followers were rich. Hashem granted them the privilege of being Leviim and special people. Datan and Aviram, who also rebelled, were rich because they were part of the Jewish people. All the Jews were wealthy and did not have to do any work in the desert to get food, water, etc. However, they could not see it because they were not happy with their portion. When we always feel the need to be like everyone, we forget about the blessings we have in front of us and try to get things we do not need or belong to us. May we always feel wealthy and recognize the blessing of our allotted portion by always being happy with what we have.
Shira Sedek is a passionate educator currently working toward a master’s degree at Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration.
