This week we read about Korach and the rebellion he staged against Moshe Rabbenu. The Mishna in Pirkei Avos tells us that disagreements like that of Korach and his supporters is a type of disagreement which "will not last" while the disagreements between Hillel and Shamai which are for the sake of Heaven will "continue to last". 

Most people who have been in a "machlokes" argument/disagreement, look back and in retrospect realize there was very little if anything accomplished. Usually both parties have lost out and there is no positive outcome. It is rather clear to most people that "machlokes" is something we should avoid and we would have been better off just giving in to the other side. The problem is that in many cases we are convinced that our "machlokes"disagreements are for the sake of Heaven. This is a very easy trap to fall into and something that we need to be very vigilant about. It is easy to convince ourselves that we are fighting "the good fight", but in most cases we are fooling ourselves. Next time we decide that we need to take a side in some kind of "machlokes" it is a good idea to take a step back and think twice are we really doing this for the sake of Heaven.

May these words be a merit for a speedy recovery for Miriam bas Gittel.

Shabbat Shalom,

Heath