In this week's parsha we will read about the dispute and challenge of Korach and his followers against Moshe's leadership. The Mishna in Avos classifies this as an argument that is not for the sake of Heaven. On the other hand the Mishna praises an argument that is for the sake of Heaven.

We all have numerous interpersonal interactions daily and whenever this happens there is always an opportunity for some strife and argument. In many cases these are over very petty issues and have much more to do with our honor than the actual issue at hand.

In some cases, especially when it comes to communal life such as disputes within a shul or school we are willing to battle an opposing view because we feel this is what G-d Wants. We are convinced that our point of view is correct and we vigorously defend it while attacking the opposing view. We are convinced that we are engaging in a dispute for the sake of Heaven. But how do we really know if we in fact are fighting for the sake of Heaven?

The "Yaaros Devash" explains that the way we can determine this is by looking at our adversary, the opposing person or group that we are fighting against. How do we feel about that person? Do we have this one dispute with him/her but outside of that issue we have love for them? Or do we hate this person and always fight with them? If we really hate this person it means that we are using the idea of "an argument for the sake of Heaven" to engage in a bitter dispute with someone we can't stand.

The Mishna tells us that the students of Hillel and Shamai had a number of disputes but despite all of these disputes their children would marry one another. So next time you are convinced that you are fighting for the sake of Heaven, take a step back and check yourself, would you care if your son our daughter would marry the child of your adversary in this dispute?

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath