When it comes to leadership, lineage and pedigree make no difference. Your success is dependent on you!
This week’s Torah portion is “Korach” (Numbers 16:1-18:32), and in it we read about the rebellion that Korach instigated against his cousin, Moses.
Although we know that Korach and 250 of his associates launched a rebellion against Moses, what is not so clear, however, is what exactly he was rebelling against! The Torah is somewhat vague on this question. It simply informs us that Korach and his friends were unhappy with some of the political decisions made by Moses. Further details about his complaints are discussed among the commentators.
The famous commentator Rashi explains that the true reason for Korach’s rebellion was that his younger cousin, Eltzafon, became leader of the tribe of Levi. Korach felt that he himself should have been chosen. His family pedigree within the tribe of Levi was stronger than that of Eltzafon, and he therefore believed he deserved to inherit the position. Furthermore, he was older than Eltzafon.
At first glance, it seems that Korach’s point was justified. We know that age and inheritance are taken very seriously in the Torah. So indeed, why was Korach disqualified from the job?
The answer is that when it comes to leadership, lineage and pedigree make no difference. From the Torah’s point of view, nepotism, “connections,” influence, and family ties carry no weight when choosing a leader, at least not in God’s eyes. So why was Korach, apparently the “next in line”, bypassed in favor of Eltzafan? Eltzafan was more worthy and better qualified for the job – plain and simple!
This was not the first time in the Torah where lineage and similar factors played no role in determining who inherited a position of leadership. Who inherited Abraham? Not Ishmael, his firstborn, but Isaac, because he was the right person. Who inherited Isaac? Not Esau, the firstborn, but rather Jacob, because he, too, was the right choice. And finally, who inherited Moses? Joshua became the next leader, rather than either of Moses’ sons. Joshua was more worthy and more qualified and therefore deserved the position.
This is an extremely important message in life. It doesn’t matter who your family is, who your parents are or from where you come. Your future is in your own hands. Your qualifications, abilities and success will equal the personal effort you put into all of them!
By: Rabbi Ari Enkin, Rabbinic Director, United with Israel
For more insights by Rabbi Enkin on this week’s Torah portion, click on the links below:
https://unitedwithisrael.org/korach-and-moses-power-hunger-vs-humility/
https://unitedwithisrael.org/dont-underestimate-the-power-of-prayer/
https://unitedwithisrael.org/avoid-unnecessary-disputes-for-the-sake-of-heaven/
https://unitedwithisrael.org/living-torah-when-is-an-argument-legitimate/
https://unitedwithisrael.org/living-torah-the-importance-of-a-good-wife/
https://unitedwithisrael.org/great-leaders-its-all-about-the-people/