The של״ה הקדוש sees an interesting allusion to this in the word מחלקת. The letter מ has a very small opening. The following letter, the ח, already has a bigger opening. If one allows only a small amount of strife to enter, it grows bigger and bigger. The next letter, the ל, has an upward trajectory. The machlokes grows disproportionately to even greater heights. The ק has a downward trajectory, this is an allusion to the strife putting down strong roots and becoming further entrenched. The last letter, the ת, is the only letter that extends further than its frame at the end; it has a little attachment at the bottom. This is a reference to the power of strife to continue on and on, in an endless cycle of pointless fighting. The letters of the word imply the damaging power of growing far beyond the original controversy, until it completely consumes the disputing powers.
More in this printout
- Never AgainAn exploration of the rebellion of Korach, the repurposing of the copper pans as a warning, and the prohibition against creating or sustaining communal strife.
- Like a Raging FireAn exploration of the dangers of machlokes, comparing strife to a raging fire and an overflowing river, emphasizing the need to stop disputes at their onset.
- Running away from FireA story about R' Aharon Kohen, son-in-law of the Chofetz Chaim, who fled a neighborhood to uphold a promise to avoid even the slightest hint of communal discord
- Never a Reason for FightingThe Chassam Sofer warns against using Torah justifications to join a machlokes, explaining that there is never a valid reason to involve oneself in conflict.
- Loosing One's Sense of SmellThe Imrei Noam of Dzhikov uses a parable of a lion, horse, wolf, and fox to illustrate why one should avoid taking sides in a machlokes to prevent discord.
- Do Not Hold OnExplore Moshe Rabbeinu's efforts to end the rebellion of Dasan and Aviram, teaching us the vital importance of pursuing peace and not holding onto a machlokes.
- No Price is Too GreatAn exploration of the Gemara's account of On ben Pelet's wife and her extreme measures to save her husband from Korach's rebellion and the dangers of machlokes.
- No Matter the IntentAn analysis of the 250 followers of Korach, exploring their distinct intentions compared to Korach and the consequences of joining a machlokes despite pure moti
- Giving up for the sake of PeaceA powerful story of Rabbi Yosef Yozel Horowitz, the Alter of Novardok, who forfeited a massive inheritance for his yeshiva to avoid a potential dispute.