When Envy Wears a Halo: The Subtlety of Jealous Motives
Parshat Korach 5785; Numbers 16:1-18:32
This week’s Torah portion introduces us to a fascinating, though tragic, figure named Korach. In Numbers 16:3, Korach confronts Moses and Aaron, asking, “Why do you elevate yourselves above G-d’s assembly?” On the surface, he sounds like an egalitarian, but in reality, he’s putting a halo on his envy—cloaking his jealousy in the language of fairness. Korach had prestige, wealth, and a respected family, yet he couldn’t stop focusing on those who had more. This disguised resentment led him to challenge the legitimacy of Moses and Aaron’s leadership.
Korach didn’t keep these feelings private. He stirred unrest, rallying others who felt overlooked and fueling an atmosphere of suspicion and dissatisfaction. The Torah describes how this movement grew, threatening the unity of the people. In dramatic fashion, the earth opened up and swallowed Korach and his followers alive—a powerful warning about where unchecked envy can lead.
But Korach’s struggle is a familiar one. Who hasn’t wrestled with envy or a longing for recognition? The sages share a telling story: A king summoned two men—one envious, the other a pleasure-seeker—and declared, “Whoever asks first will get what he wants, but the other will receive double.” The pleasure-seeker waited, hoping for twice the pleasure. The envious man, unable to bear the thought of someone else receiving more, finally asked, “Let the king poke out one of my eyes.” It’s a vivid lesson in how envy, especially when disguised as principle, can end up hurting us most.
Yet the Torah doesn’t just warn; it guides us to transform these drives. Envy can become inspiration to learn from those we admire. Desire can deepen our longing for closeness to G-d. Even the pursuit of honor can be redirected toward honoring others.
The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that happiness can’t be built on prestige or status. True joy comes from embracing our unique place in the world—knowing, as the sages say, “There is no man who does not have his place.” Instead of longing for someone else’s blessings, we’re called to recognize our own and use them to make a difference, right where we are.
May we learn from Korach’s story to look inward, transform our struggles, and invest our gifts in service of a higher purpose. In doing so, we fulfill the mission that only we can accomplish, bringing blessing to our world and those around us.
I wish you a good week and a good Shabbat!
Rabbi Yonatan Hambourger
Thank you
Have a good week