Dealing With Opposition

KORACH Dealing With Opposition Some of the more challenging moments in life are when we encounter people who try to belittle us. No matter how kind and patient one may be, he or she can nonetheless cross paths with individuals with interests that aim to weaken us. Not competitors, or people with a different view or approach; rather individuals who seem bent on our destruction for its own sake, not even as a medium for their success. And here the responses usually range from boycott to open hostility. Many choose to boycott the person who belittles them and completely sever the connection, while others respond with aggression and channel their energy into confrontations. But could there be a third way? Today we want to discuss an inspiring lesson in Moshe’s response to his long-standing adversaries, Dosson and Aviram. Why does Moshe engage in negotiation and try to convince them? After all, who better than him knows that they despise him and insult him? They didn't seek personal growth, as they vowed to get in the way of Moshe at every turn. They had been feuding with Moshe since their youth and had never let up on the fight. So why does he turn to them for a dialogue and almost invite them to attack him?