In 1959 an activist in Israel offered the Lubavitcher Rebbe an offer he felt the Rebbe could not refuse. He established a new organization with the agenda of building synagogues throughout the Holy Land. He was offering the Rebbe the title “Honorary President.” The Rebbe, he insisted, would not have to do any actual work. Rather, the Rebbe would just lend his name and this would further the holy cause.
In a letter, the Rebbe declined the offer for two reasons.
Firstly, the Rebbe said that he does not accept offers where there is no actual work. Here is a translated excerpt:
After thanking you for your good intentions, I am compelled to refuse this honor, in keeping with the custom of the Chabad-Lubavitch Rebbes, who as a rule, did not accept honorary titles. For as you so rightly describe the substance of this title, it carries "no obligation or actual work." This is contrary to our approach, which is to actively participate in everything that carries our name, or to actively participate in things that do not carry our name, but certainly not to receive an honorary title that is without active involvement...
Secondly, the Rebbe argued, it’s inevitable that this organization will be perceived, by some at least, as representing a certain faction, be it political or religious. Since Chabad’s mandate is to serve every Jew, without exception, I cannot lend my name.
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While this is a fascinating response in and of itself, I think it bears particular significance to this week’s parsha and date.
In Parshat Korach, a man named Korach rebels against Moshe and Ahron. He argues that the entire congregation is holy and, if so, there is no need for Moshe and Ahron’s leadership. Ultimately, he and his cronies seek the very leadership they detest.
Korach, however, was not an idiot on a fool’s errand. He was a wealthy and sophisticated fellow. He was able to garner significant support for his cause and crafted sly arguments in support of it.
For example, he came to Moshe with the following query:
If a house is full of Torah scrolls, what is the law? Does it need a mezuzah on its doorpost or not?” Replied Moshe, “It is obligated.”
Said Korach: “The entire Torah, consisting of 275 chapters, does not absolve this house, and the two chapters in the mezuzah absolve it? G‑d did not command you these laws—you have invented them yourself!
Obviously, this discussion wasn’t really about houses full of holy books. The real point was about whether or not the Jewish people need a leader. Nevertheless, there is a reason why Korach chose this as his metaphor. What is the deeper meaning behind the imagery of putting a mezuzah on a house full of holy books? And what does it have to do specifically with the role of Moshe, the Jewish leader?
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What Korach really was saying is that if there is holiness inside, then there is no need for more. If my home is illuminated with Torah inside, what need is there for more? Every Jewish soul is a treasure from G-d! There is no need for a mezuzah on the outside. There is no need for a Jewish leader to represent the people.
Korach, today, would argue that Jewish identity is important. Tradition is also important. But, why the need for public displays of Judaism? Why the need for actual mitzvot? Just be a proud Jew in your heart and bring some traditions into the home, and Judaism will be all the better for it. But, outside the home, it’s better to be like everyone else.
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Korach was point-on for one truth. But he completely missed the boat on another.
Every Jew is a priceless treasure. The soul is a reservoir of holiness, of Divine energy. Inside every Jewish heart is a “house full of Torah scrolls.” On this point Korach hit a home run.
But, then he struck out miserably.
The purpose of our existence is not simply to recognize the latent holiness within. Rather, our objective and mandate is to change ourselves and the world around us. The bottom line is action! Transforming the world into Hashem’s garden happens when we do good deeds, not when we merely have good status or intentions.
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This coming Tuesday marks the yahrzeit of the Rebbe. The Rebbe’s response above is emblematic of the Rebbe’s outlook and accomplishments. The Rebbe viewed his and our role as action-oriented. Titles, committees and organizations don’t matter nearly as much as action. Getting it done, every time and in every place, was the Rebbe’s way.
As we approach the sacred day of his yahrzeit, let us pledge to continue the Rebbe’s way – by doing one more mitzvah today.