Korach

ראשוןRishon

Korach and 250 leaders challenge Moses and Aaron, questioning Aaron’s appointment as Kohen Gadol. Moses proposes that they each bring incense before G-d, who will show whom He has chosen.

שניSheni

Moses asks G-d not to accept the offerings of the rebels. Korach gathers the people at the entrance of the Tabernacle, where G-d’s glory appears.

שלישיShlishi

G-d threatens to destroy the community, but Moses and Aaron plead for mercy. The earth swallows Korach and his followers, while fire consumes the 250 men offering incense; their firepans are used to cover the altar.

רביעיRevi'i

The people accuse Moses and Aaron of causing the deaths, and a plague begins among the Israelites. Aaron takes incense and makes atonement for the people, standing between the living and the dead until the plague stops.

חמישיChamishi

G-d commands Moses to collect staffs from the leaders of the tribes, with Aaron’s name on the staff representing Levi. Aaron’s staff miraculously produces blossoms, flowers, and almonds, confirming his selection by G-d.

שישיShishi

Aaron’s staff is placed before the Ark as a lasting sign, and the Kohanim and Levites are commanded to guard the Tabernacle against unauthorized entry. The Torah then lists gifts given to the Kohanim, including portions of offerings, first fruits, and tithes.

שביעיShvi'i

The Levites receive no land inheritance and instead receive a tithe from the Israelites in return for their Tabernacle service. The Levites must then give a tenth of the tithe they receive to the Kohanim.