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PARSHAT KORACH In this week's parsha we hear about how the earth opened its mouth
and swallowed up Korach, his family and all of his supporters. The
cause of this calamity was that Korach, Moshe and Aharon cousin,
instigated more than 250 people to defy the authority of Moshe and
the appointment of Aharon as the Cohen Gadol (High Priest). "Now Korach the son of Izhar, the son of Kahath, the son of Levi, and Datan and Aviram, the sons of Eliab, and On the son of Pelet, sons of Reuven, took men." (Bamidbar 16:1) The son of Pelet is listed as one of Korach's supporters but there is no further mention of him. "And the Eternal spoke unto Moshe, saying, speak unto the congregation, saying, Get you up from about the dwelling of Korach, Dathan and Aviram." (Bamidbar 16:23-24) On the son of Pelet is not included among the people who are punished with Korach. How did he escape sharing their fate? THE WISDOM OF FEMALE CHARM In Gemara Sanhedrin 109b we find the following anecdote: "Rav
said, On the son of Pelet was saved by his wife. She asked him,
`what difference does it make to you whether Moshe or Korach is
in charge? In either case, you will be just a student.' He answered
her, `But what can I do? I was in their council and I swore allegiance
to them.' She replied, `I know that they are all a holy congregation,
as it states, ..all the congregation are holy. (Bamidbar 16:3) Turn
back, and I will save you.' She then served him wine. He got drunk
and went to sleep on his bed. She went to sit in the entryway, and
untied her hair. Whoever saw her, went away [As they didn't want
to be exposed to a married woman's uncovered hair]. In the meantime
Korach and his supporters were swallowed up." According to
this Gemara, the wife of On was able to save her husband by understanding
that all the congregation of Israel are holy and modest and she
could therefore be sure that no-one would dare to enter their home
seeing that her hair was loose. Whoever came to call her husband
saw her uncovered hair and returned. (Rashi) For the complete dvar Torah, please send email to berot@netvision.net.il. *******~~~~~*******~~~~~*******~~~~~*******~~~~~*******~~~~~*******
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