Those who stand for nothing, will fall for anything.
“Speak to the congregation, saying, “Arise from around the encampment of Korach, Dasan, and Aviram.”” (Bamidbar 16:24)
Korach started a communist rebellion. He argued that Moshe and Aharon were too much of a “royal family” by keeping the various leadership roles for themselves. The Jews were all equally holy, he said, and did not need Moshe lording over them. Of course, the source of his rebellion was not fellowship but rather jealousy and a desire for his own power.
When the 250 men offered incense, it ignited Hashem’s wrath. Hashem told Moshe and Aharon to step away from the others, so He might destroy them in an instant. Moshe pleaded, “Should one man sin and the entire congregation endure Your wrath?” To that, Hashem answered with these words. “Tell the nation to move from the vicinity of Korach, Dasan, and Aviram.”
Korach had gathered all the people to watch the “show” so they might see Moshe embarrassed when Hashem accepted the offerings of the others. It was a moment of truth. Who was right, Moshe or Korach?
At that moment, Hashem commanded, “Let everyone step away from Korach’s group.” Moshe had argued that Korach was the guilty party, not the whole of the Jewish People. Hashem’s response was that until they took a stand and separated themselves from the guilty party, they were just as culpable as he was. It’s not enough to be neutral. If you don’t stand for good, you stand for evil. One must take an active position, and that’s what Hashem wanted here. By virtue of stepping away from Korach, the people would show they disavowed him and what he stood for, and in that merit their lives were spared.
The Gemara in Avoda Zara (3a) tells us that at the end of days, the nations of the world will argue that if they had been given the Torah and Mitzvos, they would have fulfilled them. Hashem offers them an “easy mitzvah,” Sukkah. It doesn’t cost much, and you just sit there. The gentiles eagerly built the Sukkos on their roofs. Then, Hashem shined the summer sun on them, and they got too hot. They left the Sukkah, but not before they kicked it with enmity.
Homiletically, the mitzvah of Sukkah is one of peaceful inclusion, where all are welcome. Hashem gave this mitzvah to the world so they could show their tolerance. However, they weren’t happy with it, and kicked the Sukkah as they left. This was an act that showed where they stood, and they couldn’t argue.
Today, the world around us is becoming increasingly more anti-Jewish, and vociferously decrying our existence. To me, this is a sign that they are showing where they stand, kicking that Sukkah of peace, and soon, Hashem will spread His Sukkah of peace over Klal Yisrael, and leave the rest of the world out in the cold – where they have chosen to stand.
