Parsha

Parsha Vayechi

The Importance of Staying Away from Controversy

by Rabbi Yacob Gil

Yaacov , our father commands his sons to gather. Each of them heard prophetic words that are special to him, others got a simple blessing.

Two of Yacov’s sons, Shimon and Levi heard  their father’s words:”in their secret, my soul shall not come, in their company, shal not be my honor”.

According to Rashi (1040-1105),״in their  congregation, do not unite my honor “. 

That’s when Korach called the congregation to dispute with  Moshe Rabeinu 

Rabbi Madzikov (about 200 years ago) ,asks in his book: Imrei Noam, what does it matter to Yaacov whether his name will be “mentioned” in the dispute or not? He won’t be there in person and he  will only be remembered--why should he still care? Is it really important ?

Rabbi Madzikov explains that  Yaacov wanted to teach his sons that  controversy is so terrible, that if it 

breaks out, G’D forbid, everything  possible must be done to stop it--  even when a person’s name is not associated with it. 

Rabbi Elimelech of Lizansk, (1717-1787), says that Yaacov used the word :”secret” related to Shimon and Levi, saying that Korach was not a simple person . 

His dispute with Moshe Rabeinu ,was obviously loaded with “ intentions and secrets"  of the Torah. 

Even in such a dispute involving complex Torah  “ secrets” ,  Yaacov Avinu did not want to be  involved--since the focus of the dispute was not understanding Torah, but gaining personal power for the individuals.  Therefore Yacov admonishes them "Besodum"--"B'khalam" --in their gatherings even when disputing Torah secrets--referring to Korach and those gathered with him, who misused their deep knowledge of the Torah, to mock and insult Moshe, “Let my name,  my honor,  not be associated with them “.

Yaacov wanted to reveal the future of his sons.

He gave them a piece of advice, more precious than gold and pearls.

“Gather”, gather together-- the sons of Yaacov 

The togetherness, will keep you away from the dispute .

This precious secret will sustain you, and keep you alive as a nation,   till  the end of the days--when the ultimate redemption will come.