The Importance of Trying Make Peace with Your Enemies

And Moshe sent to call Dasan and Aviram the sons of Aliav, and they said, "We will not go up" (16:12) Rashi explains that from the fact that Moses sent for the rebels, we learn that we should not cling obstinately to controversy. Moses went running after them to appease them with words of peace. Even though Datan and Aviram instigated the controversy, Moses still pursued them.

He sent for them, hoping that he would be able to influence them in an effort to end the dispute. One must always attempt repeatedly to bring about peace, even after the dissenting parties have made their claims. (Ktav Sofer)

Reprinted from this week’s email of R’ Yedidye Hirtenfeld’s whY I Matte parsha sheet for the Young Israel of Midwood in Brooklyn, NY