Do Not Trust in Princes - Korach, Iran, and the Illusion That Man Can Fix the World

 The headlines change by the hour. One day there is hope.The next day there is disappointment. Alliances are formed, agreements areannounced, world leaders make promises, and commentators assure us that historyis about to change. Yet every Jew who has lived through enough years knows howquickly certainty can evaporate.     In this morning’s Breakfast & a Class, we turn toParashat Korach and a powerful insight brought by Rabbi Yitzchak Adlersteinfrom the sefer HaMedrash V'HaMaaseh. Why do human beings repeatedly believethat they can engineer peace, redesign the world, and solve humanity's deepestproblems through politics, power, and diplomacy alone? From the generation ofthe Tower of Bavel, to Korach's rebellion, to the great internationalconferences that promised a new world order, history teaches the same lesson:man can build plans, but only HaShem directs history.     Drawing on Midrash, Tanach, and the timeless words ofChazal, we explore the difference between using human effort and placing ourtrust in human beings. As Israel continues to confront enemies on multiplefronts and the Jewish world wrestles with uncertainty about what comes next,this class offers a perspective that is both sobering and comforting. Themessage of Korach is as relevant today as ever: do not place your faith inprinces. Be responsible, be informed, do your hishtadlut—but remember that thedestiny of Israel and the destiny of the world remain in the hands of HaShemalone.