Korach's Postmodern Tallis

(This dvar Torah is in memory of Tatyana bat Azriel, my mother-in-law of blessed memory, whose yahrzeit is today.)

In the beginning of this week’s parsha, Parshat Korach, the Torah introduces Korach as the son of Yitzhar, the son of Kehat, the son of Levi.  Levi, of course, is the son of Yaakov, but the Torah neglects to mention that.

Rashi says that this is the fulfillment of Yaakov’s prophecy that he declares on his deathbed.  In reaction to the attack on Schem carried out by Shimon and Levi, Yaakov declares, “may my honor not be mentioned in their congregation.”

Is Rashi hinting at a deeper connection between the attack on Schem and the rebellion of Korach?

The rebellion of Korach against Moshe Rabbenu is the paradigmatic story of the refusal to accept authority.  The attack on Schem also represents a refusal to accept authority.  Instead of carrying out such a significant act on their own, an act with drastic implications for the family, Shimon and Levi should have consulted their father, our forefather Yaakov, who was surely the rightful authority at the time.

The midrash records a pair of strange halachic discussions between Korach and Moshe Rabbenu.

First, Korach asks Moshe, "If a cloak is made of 100% pure techelet, does it still need a techelet thread on the tzitzit?"  Moshe answers yes, and Korach ridicules him.  "With all that techelet in the cloak itself, why does it need more?"

Second, Korach asks Moshe, "If a room is filled with sifrei Torah, does it still need a mezuza?" Moshe answers yes, and Korach ridicules him.  "With all those psukim already in the room, why does it need more?"

These are strange questions.  The midrash usually assumes that Korach is learned and intelligent.  What is Korach's hava amina?  Why would he think that the composition of a garment changes the requirement for tzitzit, or that the contents of a room changes the requirement for a mezuza?

This midrash tells a story of Korach making fun of Moshe Rabbenu.  In the midrash, Korach poses as a clever satirist.  But maybe Chazal are the real satirists.  Maybe Chazal are putting these words in Korach's mouth as a way of making fun of Korach.

In the Torah, Korach says, "The entire nation is holy.  Hashem is with them.  Why do you, Moshe and Aharon, suppose to raise yourselves above them?"  Chazal reply to Korach's argument by comparing the Jewish People to a cloak made of techelet, or a room full of books.  The cloak is made of techelet, but of course it still needs a techelet thread in the tzitzit.  So too, all Jews are holy, but of course we still need Torah authorities.