Short Parsha Riddles: Korach / קֹרַח

בְּמִדְבַּר / Bamidbar / Numbers 16:1-18:32

Click for printable PDF version.

Don’t forget to read my Parsha Poem and parsha overview, plus this cool sprouting branch craft project.  Plus… copywork and parsha activities – something for every week of the year!

Art credit:  I am so excited to present actual original artwork, specially commissioned from a talented illustrator on fiverr… I can’t believe I have to pay for art when I live with several talented illustrators.  Nevertheless, I am thrilled with this image!!!

---

פָּרָשָׁת קֹרַח
for Parshas Korach
בְּמִדְבַּר / Bamidbar / Numbers 16:1-18:32

 

 

[1]

Korach was a wicked man to argue with Hashem,
So it was his destiny that that was who’d condemn;
He could run to the north and flee to the south,
But he’d never escape the earth’s gaping __________!

[2]

We see that Moshe was most humble of men
So when Korach challenged him, what happened then?
Most of us would have just sneered at his thunder,
But Moshe perhaps took a moment to wonder.  Where can we see this?

[3]

Hashem will never waste a word,
Yet sometimes wants His rhythms heard;
So the Torah offers poetic touches –
Like in this parsha, repeating “too muches.”  Who says it – each time?

[4]

The pans that all the rebels brought were made of holy copper;
So when they died the leaders couldn’t chuck them in the chopper;
Instead Hashem told Elazar to beat them smooth and shiny,
And lay them on the __________, to remind them if they’re whiny.

[5] um, not exactly a BONUS this time…

The kohanim were pure, surely not here at fault,
Given Hashem’s trust just like a bank vault;
And in ancient times when you’d never default,
This praise would be given, this promise exalt.
    What, like Hashem’s word, lasts forever and makes everything “tasty” that comes in contact with it?

STUMPED?? Here are some answers: 
[ 1 ] Mouth.  Yummy?
[ 2 ] When Moshe hears Korach’s charges, he falls on his face.  The first Lubavitcher Rebbe (1745-1812) suggests this is an introspective moment so Moshe can be certain he’s free of pride.
[ 3 ] The first “too much” is Korach, saying leadership is too much for Moshe (16:3).  The second is Moshe telling Korach he’s probably bitten off too much to chew (16:7).
[ 4 ] Mizbeyach.  Do you think it worked???
[ 5 ] Salt (18:19).  In the ancient world, salt was rare and valuable – indeed, it’s the source of the English word “salary.”  Are you really worth your salt???