A person views the success of his equals as a sign of his own personal failure
T
he Midrash tells us that Korach was a very wise man and was considered to be equal to Aharon. How then did he descend to such a spiritual nadir that he initiated a dispute with Hashem and denied the basic principles of faith?
One of the most potent forces in the human psyche is the inability to tolerate another person’s rise to greatness. A person views the success of his equals as an expression of his own personal failure. This often propels him to do anything, even harm himself, to bring about the downfall of his peer. (Rabbi Dovid Hofsdedter, Doresh Dovid)
I was in my third trimester of what was proving to be a difficult pregnancy. Baruch Hashem, things were progressing nicely, but I decided under the circumstances to consult with a top specialist. Dr. Samson was the head of the obstetrics department in a leading Yerushalayim hospital and was considered the best in his field. He was professional, brilliant, and experienced. He was also a pompous, swell-headed type with an ego the size of his bank account.
“Um, can I fast on Yom Kippur?” I asked the question quietly, knowing I was going to be treated to an exclusive Dr. Samson special. He rose right to the bait.
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