The Devious Enterprise That Made Korach Rich—Fast

Parshat Korach exposes one of the most shocking downfalls in the Torah—but Chazal reveal that Korach’s rebellion didn’t begin with his challenge to Moshe Rabbeinu. It started years earlier, in Egypt, where his thirst for wealth led him to build a fortune on the backs of his suffering brethren. The story behind his riches explains everything that followed.

Rav Eliyahu of Izmir, in his Einei HaEidah, brings a Midrash in the name of Rav Shmuel Trumishi z”l. According to the Midrash, at the beginning of the Egyptian enslavement, Pharaoh devised a cunning plan: He offered the Jews a “volunteer” bricklaying opportunity for a single day, claiming it was merely a trial. In truth, he was calculating how many bricks each person could produce. Once he had this data, he shifted from invitation to obligation—enslaving the people and demanding that same daily quota.

Korach, in his shrewdness, perceived Pharaoh’s plot from the outset. While others worked earnestly, Korach intentionally made only a single brick.

Chazal teach that no member of Shevet Levi was ever forced into labor. They remained immersed in Torah and mitzvot, never participating in Pharaoh’s scheme. None joined—except one: Korach. Fueled by greed and an insatiable desire for wealth, he volunteered. From that day forward, he was only required to produce one brick per day. As Kohelet teaches (5:9), “He who loves money will never be satisfied with money.”

Einei HaEidah continues: The Egyptians asked Korach, “How did you spend a full day making just one brick?” Korach answered that he had carefully polished it in honor of Pharaoh. His explanation was accepted. When quotas were later enforced—based on each person’s original output—everyone else was overwhelmed. But Korach? He remained obligated to produce only one brick per day.

So what did he do with the rest of his time?

He built a brick empire.

Korach and his household began manufacturing and storing bricks in vast quantities. When Pharaoh later decreed: “Straw shall not be given to you, yet you must deliver your quota of bricks” (Shemot 5:18), the Jews were left helpless. Under threat that their children would be sealed alive into the structures, they turned to Korach.

He had what they needed—and he sold it dearly.

Korach sold bricks at extortionate prices, forcing desperate families to surrender everything they owned just to save their children. Through this merciless exploitation, he amassed tremendous wealth—built on the pain and cries of his brethren.

Eventually, Hashem responded. Korach lost everything: his wealth, his honor, and his life. The earth swallowed him whole, together with the very riches that defined his downfall.

There is no blessing in wealth earned through injustice. No deal, no venture, no business opportunity—however brilliant—can justify building prosperity on the suffering of others. Such riches may shine briefly, but they are destined to destroy their owner.

Korach teaches us not how to succeed—but how to fall.

Rabbi Leeor Dahan, a graduate of Yeshiva Chofetz Chaim/RSA, is a noted scholar and teacher, well-versed in halachah. He currently leads Kehilat Avodat Hashem in Hillcrest, Queens, inspiring his congregation to delve into Torah study and embrace its eternal teachings.

 By Rabbi Leeor Dahan