Parashat Pinchas – Courage, Kindness, and the Power of One Act of Zeal

The Breach at Shittim: A Cautionary Tale of Gradual Spiritual Decline

During this period of Bein HaMetzarim, the Three Weeks leading up to Tisha B’Av, we read about the events at Shittim—a spiritual turning point for Bnei Yisrael. Parashat Balak ends with a chilling episode: instead of an open attack, Bilaam advises that the Jewish people be led to sin, beginning a slow descent into immorality and idolatry.

The Torah notes: “And Israel settled in Shittim.” Chazal emphasize that this wasn’t an instant fall. Bnei Yisrael camped there for weeks or even months, gradually lowering their guard after leaving the protective Ananei HaKavod. Outside the clouds, they encountered enticing markets and foreign influences.

The downfall was progressive:

• Older Moabite women drew the men in through business.

• Younger women lured them with wine.

• Idolatry followed—specifically the degrading worship of Pe’or.

What began as curiosity ended in tragedy, with a plague claiming 24,000 lives. The comparison to the breach in Yerushalayim’s wall is poignant—spiritual erosion often begins subtly.

Pinchas's Zealousness: Kiddush Hashem Amid Chaos

As the nation wept at the Ohel Mo’ed, frozen in pain and responsibility, Pinchas acted. Taking a romach (spear)—whose gematria is 248, representing the limbs of the body—he struck down Zimri and Cosbi, halting the plague.

This act wasn’t just bold; it was sacrificial. Pinchas risked his status as a Kohen for the sake of Kiddush Hashem. His motivation was pure: to restore Hashem’s honor at a time of open rebellion.

In reward, Hashem granted him a "Brit Shalom"—a covenant of peace—and eternal priesthood. Chazal identify Pinchas with Eliyahu HaNavi, the harbinger of geulah, showing how one courageous act can change Jewish history.

Spiritual Leadership: Empathy, Defense, and True Responsibility

After the plague, Hashem commands a new census in preparation for entry into Eretz Yisrael. This count emphasizes merit-based inheritance, as seen in the story of Bnot Tzelofchad, who pleaded for their father’s portion with love for the land and deep emunah.

At this stage, Moshe is told he will not lead the people into the land. He prays not for his own position, but for the right successor. He asks Hashem to appoint an “Ish asher ruach bo”—a man of spirit. Rashi explains this means a leader who can empathize with each individual.

This quality was embodied by Yehoshua, whose instinct was always to defend his people, not to condemn them. A true leader sees beneath the surface and lifts others up.

Korban Tamid and the Power of Consistency in Avodat Hashem

Parashat Pinchas also outlines the Korban Tamid, the daily offering: one lamb in the morning, one in the evening. This wasn’t just for the wilderness—it was a foundation of Jewish service in the Beit HaMikdash and a model for spiritual discipline.

Each Tamid offered atonement—morning for the night before, evening for the day. The Torah teaches us that constancy in avodah guards against spiritual erosion. “Tamid” means constant connection, which is key to avoiding the “small breaches” that led to Shittim.

Even today, reciting the Korbanot from the siddur is deeply meaningful. As the Chazon Ish taught, even a busy woman who says only Korban Tamid connects to Hashem in a powerful way.

A True Story: You Never Lose by Doing a Mitzvah

A heart-stirring story from modern-day Eretz Yisrael illustrates this principle. A man was arrested for unknowingly giving a ride to boys carrying stolen goods. Though innocent, he was imprisoned without witnesses to defend him.

While in prison, he feigned a heart attack—only to discover, through extra testing, that he truly needed emergency surgery. His life was saved precisely because of the mitzvah that seemed to land him in jail.

This story reinforces the timeless truth: you never lose by doing a mitzvah. Hashem sees the emet of every action, and reward comes—even if hidden at first.

Conclusion: From Breach to Redemption

As we journey through these Three Weeks, may we internalize the lessons of Parashat Pinchas:

• Guard against spiritual erosion—even in small steps.

• Stand up for Kiddush Hashem, even when it's hard.

• Strive for constancy in your relationship with Hashem.

• Never underestimate the power of a mitzvah—Hashem never forgets.

May these days of mourning be transformed into joy, and may we soon witness the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash.

Wishing you a meaningful Shabbat!