Thursday, July 12, 2012

Parshas Pinchas

This week’s parsha, Pinchas, commences with Hashem praising Pinchas ben Elazar ben Aharon (Pinchas the son of Elazar, the son of Aaron), for killing Zimri. Zimri, who was the nassi- leader- of the Tribe of Shimon, openly descreted Hashem’s name when he committed acts of immorality (a.k.a extra marital affairs) with Balak’s daughter, Kozbi (she was a Midiyanite princess).

Why does the verse state Pinchas son of Elazar son of Aharon? Wouldn’t have it been enough to just state Pinchas the son of Elazar? The Torah is extremely concise, thereby, an additional wording must be teaching us something important.

Firstly, to understand the root of this ‘extra wording’ we have to analyze what is really going on in the story. Can you believe that Pinchas was praised by Hashem for murdering a fellow Jew? A nassi of a Tribe committing murder?! Moreover, no one even gave him the permission to do so. Why exactly was Pinchas praised for this act? Additionally, one can’t help ponder whether Pinchas killed Zimri to sanctify Hashem’s name or out of hatred against Zimri. What is going on here?! In order to clear up any confusion about the true motivations behind Zimri’s death, Hashem tells Moshe to publically proclaim that Pinchas is a tzadik ben tzadik (a righteous man son of a righteous man) in order to portray that his true motivations were in fact inspired by the same motivations of his righteous father, Elazar, and grandfather Aharon. In other words, this portrays how the merits and attributes of our parents and grandparents are passed along to us, as Aharon’s were passed down to Pinchas.

Furthermore, when Hashem mentions Pinchas’s relationship to Aharon he is sending us a message that Pinchas’s deeds were emulating that of his grandfather Aharon. Aharon was known for bringing peace and kindness to all of Bnai Israel. Whenever there was conflict, or rebuke was necessary, Aharon always provided it gently. Although it seems that Pinchas’s act was much harsher than that of his grandfathers’, by killing Zimri, Pinchas saved Bnai Israel from death. The fact that Bnai Israel tolerated those sinful acts amongst their very midst indicted them to death.

This should shed light onto all of us. Everyday we witness many Jews sinning and committing acts against the will of Hashem. We stand idly and do nothing about it! By doing nothing about it, on a spiritual sphere, it is as if we are guilty of committing the sin as well! Although we may not be in the position to rebuke others, we can take action by being a positive example for those around us. Our positive behavior may shed some light onto others to look retrospectively within; thereby, possibly contemplating a change. If our own actions can influence and bring positivity to others, shouldn’t that be motivation enough to become better people? The answer is easy, the choice is yours.

‘Quotes that matter’

“He who guards the fig tree shall eat its fruit, and he who serves his master shall be honored” (Mishlei 27:18)

The parsha continues discussing Moshe appointing a new leader over Bnai Israel. Moshe did not want Bnai Israel to be like a flock without a shepherd. So to, Hashem told Moshe that He had already chosen a leader, but it was not one of Moshe’s sons. He said, “I have chosen a leader, Yehoshua, he who guards the fig tree shall eat its fruit, and he who serves his master shall be honored.” Although Moshe’s sons were as wise as Moshe’s student Yehoshua, Yehoshua’s love for Torah exceeded theirs. He invested every ounce of his energy to Torah.  He spent every minute he had to increase his knowledge and wisdom of Torah. He was always the first one in the Bait Hamedrish- place of studying Torah-, and the last one to leave.  Because of his commitment and love for Torah, Hashem had blessed the fruits of his labor. From this, it is clear that not only are we rewarded for the Torah knowledge we amass, but also for the pure devotion we put into our studies.

Moreover, why does Hashem liken a student of Torah to that of a fig tree? Most trees, such as the olive, date, and vine, bear their fruit all at one time. The fig tree however, produce their fruit in astonishing amounts all at different times, and the fruit are picked off gradually, rather than all at once. Furthermore, the Torah is likened to a fig tree because just as a fig tree constantly has fruit ripening on it, a Jew too, must constantly devote himself to learning Torah, because there is always more to learn and master, a Jew is continuously ripening in many areas of his life and in his personal development. One cannot expect to become a scholar overnight, rather years and years of harvest are necessary to bear him intellectual fruit.

Rather than getting discouraged from the mass amount of Torah there is to learn and comparing oneself to scholars who know so much more, we should keep in mind that they too where once at a level where they didn’t know as much; however, through much toil and discipline they become as fruitful as the fig tree, and they continue to ripen throughout their lives.

Torah for your table! dvar torah in under a minute! Committing to Hashem


The parsha continues to discuss the purpose of sacrifices. Why are these laws discussed at this point in the parsha?

Because Moshe knew that he was soon leaving this world, he asked that Hashem appoint a new leader on his behalf to pray for and defend the people if they sinned. Hashem responded and said, “Rather than worrying about who will be the nations intermediary to Me, instruct the people to serve Me well.” Hashem told Moshe to instruct the people in the laws of the tamid (daliy) sacrifices, which would unite the people and bring them closer to Hashem.

Hashem explained to Moshe that the essence of the sacrifices were not for Hashem. Hashem, being the creator of the universe, does not need any sacrifices; He created everything, and is not in need of anything. So what is the sense of giving these sacrifices? Essentially, when Hashem sees that the Jewish people are fulfilling His miztvot, He is overcome with joy.

When the Jewish people follow Hashem’s mitzvot, they are attaching themselves to Him. Each and every day, we should continuously strive to find more ways to attach ourselves to Hashem. Through observing more mitzvot, to being more G-d conscious, we are developing the senses we need to cling to our one and only Source.