The Portion of Korach The Torah Itself Feels the Pain The atmosphere in the camp, following the long litany of complaints (lack of meat, the spies, etc.) was perfect for a challenge of the leadership. Korach had no problem in seizing the moment and assembling and inciting a crowd of supporters against Moses and Aaron. They assembled against Moses and Aaron, and said to them, "You take too much upon yourselves, for the entire congregation are all holy, and the Lord is in their midst. So why do you raise yourselves above the Lord's assembly?" (Numbers 16;3) Whoever reads the portion of Korach cannot help feeling the pain and anguish felt by Moses and Aaron after having devoted their lives in behalf of their people. This feeling of pain and cry of anguish "vey" is alluded to in the unusual manner that the letter "vav" is written as the first letter, and subsequent letters, in this portion, thereby emphasizing the very harsh atmosphere present in the camp.
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