This Shabbos we read Parshas Korach. In Parshas Korach the Torah tells us of the major machlokes, the major rebellion instigated by Korach against Moses. This challenge was so great that Korach actually swayed a large part of the Jewish people in his rebellion. In the end an unprecedented miracle occurred, and Korach along with his family and his closest followers were swallowed up alive into the ground. After this entire incident, a commandment was given to the Jewish people. “And you shall not be like Korach and his following” (Numbers 17:5). This is the prohibition to involve ourselves in a machlokes, in an argument. Many times over the Torah tells us of the importance of preserving peace, and how essential it is to stay away from any arguments. In pointing to Korach as an example, the Sages stress to us how machlokes, an argument, destroys lives and families. We are urged to follow the example of Moses who tried in every way possible to bring peace and calm the situation.
Rav Chaim Shmulevitz, the late dean of the Mirrer Yeshiva, points out one more idea that we learn from this wording. Not only is the Torah telling us not to be involved in an argument like Korach: The Torah is also telling us that there never will be a similar argument like the one of Korach. In the case of Korach, Moses was 100% right and Korach was 100% wrong. However, in most other arguments there is no party who is 100% right, and no party who is 100% wrong. Usually there is some blame on both sides. Rather than attacking the other side and faulting them for what was done wrong, we should try to find that part of the disagreement that we do have some blame for, and acknowledge our mistake. This can go a long way towards bringing peace to a difficult situation.
If we can stop looking to blame, rather just try to build people and peace, we will have gone a long way towards following the path of Moses in bringing peace to the world.