Parashat Korah- You Can’t Put a Price Tag on a Misva
The Torah in Parashat Korah tells the famous story of the revolt against Moshe and Aharon led by Korah, their cousin, who coveted the position of the Kohen Gadol. He argued that it was wrong for the family of Amram, his uncle, to receive both the position of leader – Moshe – and the position of Kohen Gadol – Aharon. It was only fair, he claimed, that since Moshe was the nation’s leader, the position of Kohen Gadol should be conferred to the son of Yishar, Amram’s brother, and Yishar’s son was Korah.
Moshe responded to Korah’s contention by saying, "Is it not enough that you are a Levi, that you want the priesthood, as well?" Korah belonged to the tribe of Levi, which was designated for the prestigious stature of working in the Mishkan. They sang during the sacrificial offerings, and were responsible for transporting the Mishkan and its furnishings. What’s more, Korah belonged to the family of Kehat, which was given the distinction of transporting the holiest appurtenances of the Mishkan. Moshe sought to curb Korah’s craving for the high priesthood by noting the privileges that he already enjoys as a member of the illustrious Kehat family of Leviyim.
The Sefat Emet (Rav Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter of Ger, Poland, 1847-1905) raised the question of why Moshe thought this point would have an effect on Korah. After all, Korah wanted to be the Kohen Gadol; being a Levi wasn’t enough for him. Why did Moshe bother reminding Korah of his privilege as a Levi? Why would this have soothed his feelings of envy toward Aharon?
The Sefat Emet answered that Moshe responded to Korah’s complaint by noting the immense value of the service he performed as a Levi. He sought to draw Korah’s attention to the fact that serving as Levi would bring him incalculable merit and reward. He had no need to desire priesthood, because he has already been given the inestimably precious opportunity and privilege of serving as a Levi. Korah, Moshe hoped, would drop his demand to become Kohen Gadol if he would appreciate the value of the Misvot and religious responsibilities that he has already been given.
We must never belittle any Misva that comes our way. Each and every one is precious and immensely valuable; there is no price tag that can be placed on any Misva. We often do not immediately recognize the importance and worth of the Misvot we perform. But as Moshe told Korah, the Misvot we have are incalculably valuable and worth every bit of effort we invest in them.
The story is told of a group of nine men in Israel who wanted to make a Minyan. In the absence of a tenth man, they approached a secular Jew and asked him to join them. He initially protested, but they explained that all he has to do is wear a Kippa and answer "Amen" to the Berachot. Finally, the man agreed, and the group prayed.
Several days later, the man passed away. He appeared in a dream to the one who organized the Minyan, and said, "You cannot imagine the reward I am receiving in the next world for completing the Minyan! Because of it, I have been allowed to come to you and ask that you instruct my son to recite Kaddish on my behalf."
Each and every Misva is far more valuable than we can ever imagine. We must therefore take advantage of every Misva opportunity that comes our way, and not let any such opportunity pass us by.
