Parashat Korach
Upper left is a split-ground earthquake scene. Upper middle is a fire. If one were to ask, how did Korach and his gang meet their end, "getting swallowed by the Earth" would be only partially correct. The 250 incense offerers were killed by fire. And there is a question as to exactly what happened to Korach. Some sources say that his end was a combination of both punishments. Upper right is a guard at his post; this refers to the obligation of the Leviyim to do SH'MIRA in the Beit HaMikdash area. Actually, the Leviyim stood guard on Har HaBayit (the Temple Mount) and outside the AZARA, the courtyard of the Mikdash. They manned 21 posts, and there were 3 posts in different rooms of the Beit HaMikdash complex that were manned by Kohanim. The 5 coins are for Pidyon HaBen, one of the mitzvot of Parshat Korach. In the center of the PIX are the barren staffs of the tribes surrounding the flowering staff of Aharon (of Levi). Lower center is a gift, representing the gifts of the Kohen and Levi which are enumerated in the sedra. Lower left is an example of one of the MATNOT K'HUNA. It stands for the tenth part of the tenth part that the Levi must give to a kohen from the Maaser he receives (from Yisra'eilim). Which brings us to the lower right and a lamb in a baby carriage, which refers to the topic of B'CHOR B'HEIMA T'HORA. The aspect of this topic in Korach is the prohibition of redeeming (attempting to redeem) the animal. There are many "uses" of ParshaPix, but the most common uses they seem to be put is as a Parshat HaShavua discussion starter for family and guests around the Shabbat table. Perhaps between the gefilte fish and the main course someone opens TT to page 3 and asks the youngster next to him what he sees. Well, what do you think Korach was trying to do? Or, why do you think we gives gifts to the Kohen and the Levi? Take it from there.
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