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WHAT'S IN IT FOR ME?
In one of the most dramatic displays in the Torah, the earth opens and swallows up Korach and his family! The purpose of this supernatural phenomenon was to prove the veracity of Moshe and Aharon's leadership in the face of attempted insurrection by Korach and his henchmen. Apparently it did not prove the point beyond the shadow of a doubt. It wasn't until another miracle, when Aharon's staff was the only one to blossom and produce almonds that all were convinced that Korach was wrong and in pursuit of self-aggrandizement.
Why was the second miracle, which was less dramatic and extreme than the first, more compelling and persuasive?
In the sefer, Toras Emes, Rabbi Leibel Eiger offers a piercing insight. He explains that the most effective way of influencing others and inspiring them to change is not through intimidating consequences, rather when they see the benefits, the blossoms and fruits that lay in store. When they appreciate that it is within their best interest to take heed and change and that they stand the most to gain, they will be inspired to action. The miracle of the staff producing almonds, albeit not as dramatic as the earth devouring Korach and his family, is ultimately more convincing.
This critical lesson can be a key ingredient in improving our relationships and becoming an effective positive influence on others. Instead of imposing ourselves on others, which is most often a repellent, we can present ideas in a way where others understand how much they stand to gain and how their lives will be richly enhanced.
The gemara (Shabbos 88a) teaches that when we proclaimed "naaseh ve'nishmah - we will do and then we will hear", at Mt. Sinai, a heavenly voice responded and exclaimed, "mi gila le'banai raz zeh - who has revealed this secret to my children?" The gemara does not elaborate any further on the nature of the secret of "naaseh ve'nishmah".
The Me'or Vashemesh explains in light of the only "secret" mentioned by the Rambam throughout his magnum opus, Mishnah Torah: the Rambam writes (Hilchos Teshuvah 10:5) that when first initiating a child to Torah and mitzvos, they should be motivated to perform the mitzvos out of fear of punishment and the prospect of reward. However, as they mature and develop, slowly and cautiously, "megalim lahem roz zeh - we reveal to them this secret." Namely, that the ideal way of serving Hashem is out of love not fear; because we want to not because we have to. Similarly, the manner of avodas Hashem implied by "naaseh ve'nishmah", performance before command, is a commitment influenced by love not fear.
In order to have a mature and enduring relationship with Hashem, we must at some point and on some level learn to perform mitzvos out of love. May we all merit to see and feel that our life of service is an opportunity with countless benefits in store. May it continue to inspire an ever deepening bond with Hashem and His Torah.
Wishing you all a wonderful Shabbos!
Rabbi David Claman
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