Note to Beitzah 23 - Who was the cow of Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah?

The cow of Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah used to go out into the street on Shabbat with a colorful strip between her horns. Since such a strip is considered an adornment and is not something cows usually wear, the Sages disallowed such practice. On Shabbat, carrying in public areas is forbidden. However, Rabbi Elazar ben Azariah permitted it. Who was this cow?

This cow was a reincarnation of the wife of Korach. In her previous life, she advised Korach to start a fight with Moses. She also suggested the argument: bring a tallit made of tzitzit blew threads and ask Moses if it needs additional tzitzit threads at its four corners. The question meant that all the Jews were holy, and Moses was not required as a leader.

The word for "corners" sounds similar and is related to the word "horns." Now, as a cow, she was wearing this noticeable strip between her horns.

Art: Jehan Georges Vibert - The Reprimand