From the Teachings of the Lubavitcher Rebbe Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, Zt’l
The story related in this week's Torah portion, Korach, contains a lesson for each and every Jew. Korach instigated a rebellion against Moses, for which he and his 250 followers were severely punished.
What do we know about Korach? The Torah relates that Korach was the descendent of one of the most prestigious Jewish families. An outstanding Torah scholar and wise man, he was also very wealthy. Additionally, Korach was on intimate terms with both Moses, the leader of the entire Jewish people, and his brother Aaron, the High Priest.
By contrast, one of Korach's followers, a man by the name of Ohn ben Pelet (the son of Pelet), was none of these. The Torah mentions nothing by which Ohn ben Pelet was distinguished. Ohn ben Pelet was neither particularly clever nor highborn.
It is therefore surprising that each of their lives took such an unexpected turn. In fact, the fates of Korach and Ohn ben Pelet were the exact opposite of what one might anticipate!
The well-connected and intellectually gifted Korach met a bitter end. Not only did he bring himself to ruin, but hundreds of unfortunate Jews who followed his example met with the same fate.
On the other hand, Ohn ben Pelet was saved, together with his entire family. Indeed, he was the only follower of Korach who escaped punishment.
What was the reason for these different outcomes? None other than the conduct of their respective wives, and the influence they wielded over their husbands.
At the very last second, the wife of Ohn ben Pelet rescued her entire family from destruction. His wife was a true "akeret habayit" (mainstay of the home), the epitome and embodiment of the highest ideals of Jewish womanhood.
Korach's wife, by contrast, aided and abetted her husband and his group of rebels through her actions and words. Instead of being an akeret habayit, the ikar (main component) and underlying foundation of the Jewish home, she chose to be an "okeret habayit," literally a woman who destroys and uproots her home.
This story, brought down in the Midrash, reveals the truly momentous responsibility that has been entrusted to the Jewish wife, underscoring her critical role and the extent to which her behavior affects her husband and family. For as King Solomon says in Proverbs, "The wisdom of women builds her house, but folly plucks it down with her hands."