I usually use this space for personal reflections on Jewish life, leaving traditional words of Torah to our rabbis and those more formally trained. That said, this week’s parsha—Korach—ties so directly to the work I do that I feel compelled to write about it.

We read in Pirkei Avot (Ethics of Our Fathers):

“Every dispute that is for the sake of Heaven will endure; but one that is not for the sake of Heaven will not endure. What is a dispute for the sake of Heaven? –– The disagreement between Hillel and Shammai. And what is a dispute not for the sake of Heaven? — The rebellion of Korach and his company.”

A dispute conducted for the sake of Heaven is driven by sincerity, mutual respect, and a shared pursuit of truth and understanding. This kind of debate is exemplified by Hillel and Shammai, whose thoughtful disagreements continue to shape the way we study in the Beit Midrash (House of Study) today.

In contrast, Korach’s rebellion was motivated by self-interest and a thirst for power. Cloaked in the language of equality, his challenge to Moses's leadership sowed division and mistrust in the community. How do we know God disapproved? This week’s parsha tells us plainly:

“The ground opened its mouth and swallowed them—with their houses, all Korach’s followers, and all their possessions.”

French moralist Joseph Joubert once wrote, “The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.” Korach’s mistake was confusing power with purpose. He sought to win, not to elevate the community. True debate, like that of Hillel and Shammai, moves us forward.

In a time when disagreements—political, communal, and personal—are all too common, may we strive to argue not for dominance, but for clarity, connection, and growth. Let our disputes be for the sake of Heaven.