Parshas Pinchas: 5785

“The sons of Korach did not die.” (Bamidbar 26:11)

Although Korach’s sons had been involved in their father’s revolt, they later had thoughts of repentance. Therefore, they’re interred in a place between the surface of the Earth and Gehinnom. 

The Chofetz Chaim says that the yetzer hara would like us to think that teshuvah is a difficult undertaking that usually concludes in failure. But really, teshuvah isn’t difficult. (Rabbi A. Leib Scheinbaum, Peninim on the Torah)

Ayeshivah bochur was visiting a prominent gadol who asked him where he was learning. He named a famous baal teshuvah yeshivah, but hastened to reassure the rav that he wasn’t a real baal teshuvah.

“And why not?” asked the rav.

Why not indeed? It doesn’t matter if you’re FFB or BT or COBT or any other fancy set of initials you want to put before or after your lifestyle. We all need to be baalei teshuvah. Period.

There is no shortage of teshuvah stories; many people find their way back like the Bnei Korach. Yet, many of us have fleeting thoughts, but never stop long enough to carry through.

Here’s a personal baal teshuvah story that inspired me to make my own small steps toward emulating it.