Parshas Korach for Kids

פרשת קרח

Korach challenges Moshe and Aharon and gathers two hundred and fifty men behind him. The ground opens, and Aharon's staff blossoms overnight with almonds to settle the question for good.

In a Torah Tale book, your own child is the hero of this story - drawn from their photo, on every page, in their own name. Written under rabbinical guidance with strict tznius, printed and shipped to your door in English, Hebrew or Yiddish.

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What happens in Parshas Korach

Korach, a cousin of Moshe Rabbeinu, becomes jealous. Rashi explains that he wanted honor for himself, and he gathers two hundred and fifty men to argue that Moshe and Aharon took leadership on their own. Moshe tries again and again to make peace, even going himself to Dasan and Aviram to talk, but they refuse. Hashem shows everyone the truth: the ground opens and Korach and his followers are gone, and the men who brought ketores without permission do not survive.

To settle the question for good, each shevet's leader places a staff in the Mishkan overnight. In the morning Aharon's staff has blossomed, with flowers and ripe almonds, showing that Hashem chose Aharon and his sons to be kohanim. The parsha ends with the gifts the kohanim and Leviim receive for serving Hashem on behalf of everyone. Chazal teach that this is the example of an argument that is not for the sake of Heaven.

Lessons and middos for children

  • Running from machlokes

    Korach's fight hurt so many people. We can choose to make peace instead of making a fight bigger.

  • Happy with my portion

    Korach was jealous of what others had. A child can be thankful for their own gifts instead of wanting someone else's.

  • Respecting those who lead

    Moshe and Aharon were chosen by Hashem. We show respect to parents, teachers, and rabbanim.

Questions for the Shabbos table

  1. What grew on Aharon's staff overnight?
  2. Why do you think Moshe Rabbeinu kept trying to make peace with Korach?
  3. What can you do when you feel jealous of a friend?
  4. How can you help stop an argument before it gets bigger?

How your child steps into the story

Your child stands near the Mishkan in the early morning as Moshe Rabbeinu brings out the staffs, and is there to see Aharon's staff covered in almond blossoms. The book closes looking ahead to Parshas Chukat and the mystery of the Parah Adumah.