Translation by Yehoshua Siskin
In the Torah portion of the week, we read words that, in my opinion, are the most optimistic in the Torah: *"And the sons of Korach did not die."*
Korach, if you recall, led a vigorous protest against Moshe Rabbeinu. In the end, Korach and his followers died when the earth swallowed them up, although it is now revealed that his sons did not meet a similar fate. Our sages tell us that at the last minute they showed remorse, did not follow in Korach's footsteps, and thus survived. "And the sons of Korach did not die."
How surprising. These words of assurance and hope are unmatched. Even if you are a son of Korach, even if you may initially be swept up in a rebellion, you can change your mind. Mistakes of the parents do not necessarily determine the conduct of the children. Even if you choose a faulty path in life, you can still make amends.
Even if we messed up, even if everything seemed lost when we allowed others' negativity to influence us -- we can always stop our downward spiral and be transformed. It's possible to see reality differently and to undergo a significant change for the better.