The more things change, the more they remain the same.


Tell me: Why would a standing US President - assured of a smashing re-election victory - risk it all by ordering his opponents' headquarters burgled? Why would another popular American President tarnish his legacy by cheating on his wife with an intern - in the Oval Office? And why would a Prime Minister who waited a lifetime to secure the nation's highest office jeopardize it all for a few stuffed envelopes?


The answer, of course, is "power". After achieving fame, wealth, position and influence, there is only one threshold left to conquer: the ability to make your own rules, challenge all the norms, flaunt the law shamelessly, and dare society to catch you and make you back down.


This, in a nutshell, was Korach. He seemingly had it all: he was enormously rich (the Midrash ranks him with Haman as one of the two richest people who ever lived); he had a prominent position as a Levi and one of the

It didn't take long for Korach's erstwhile allies to see through his facade.

carriers of the Aron Kodesh; he hobnobbed with cousins Moshe, Aharon and the elite. But that was not enough; he had to question G-d, attack Moshe and try to bring the whole system down.


Yes, he cleverly couched his insurrection in high-minded language. He made himself out to be a populist and an egalitarian who just wanted the "common folk" to share in the wealth. But his real goal was to seize power for himself and put himself above the law - G-d's Law.


It didn't take long for Korach's erstwhile allies to see through his facade and for dissension to set in. Pirkei Avot says, "An example of a machloket not l'shaym shamayim is that of Korach and his entourage." But shouldn't it list the argument as being between Korach and Moshe? Well, that's the point: it soon became clear to the entourage that Korach never intended to create a "rainbow coalition" with his storm of protest.


Another person who recognized the flim-flam man for what he was was Ohn's wife. She took Ohn by the ear and told it like it was: "You better own up to the truth, Ohn," she reprimanded him. "You'll never have power of your own with Korach around." He swallowed his pride and left the rebel side, and so was not swallowed by the earth.


There are two primary lessons to be learned from the Korach caper. The first is to beware of slick snake-oil salesmen who claim to be out for your good only. The second - and most important - lesson is to always listen to your wife. As the smart shopper in the family, she usually knows who's selling the goods - and who will sell you out.