Parashat Pinchas: The Power of Prayer, Passion, and Persistence

Good morning, everyone. This Shabbos brings us Parashat Pinchas, a truly inspiring portion filled with lessons on passion, persistence, and the power of prayer.

Pinchas: Zeal for Hashem's Name

The Parasha opens with Pinchas, who, through his zealous act, merited a Brit Shalom – a covenant of peace. His act was not impulsive anger, but a profound demonstration of Kiddush Hashem – sanctifying God's Name – at a time when the entire nation was faltering.

• "Kana LeKanati" – "He was zealous for My zeal." Pinchas was rewarded because he acted out of selfless devotion to Hashem's honor, not personal vendetta. He understood that when the Name of Heaven is being desecrated, one must act.

• "Avraham Avinu's Zeal": Pinchas's zeal is likened to Avraham Avinu's. When Avraham saw his nephew Lot taken captive, he didn't deliberate; he immediately mobilized his small force of 318 students to rescue him. This was not about personal gain, but about upholding righteousness.

• A "Fire" that Burns On: The term Kana (zealous) is also linked to Kehunah (priesthood). Just as fire constantly burns on the altar, the zeal of a Kohen must be an unwavering, consuming fire for truth and holiness. This is the essence of Pinchas's reward: an eternal priesthood.

Yehoshua: A Shepherd for Every Soul

Following Pinchas's narrative, Moshe Rabbeinu is instructed to appoint Yehoshua as his successor. Moshe, selfless to the end, prays not for his own legacy, but for Am Yisrael: "Yifkod Hashem...Ish Al Ha'Eidah" – "May Hashem appoint a man over the congregation...who will go out before them and come in before them."

• "U'Netzivah Aleihem" – "And appoint him over them." Rashi interprets this as a leader who understands and attends to the unique needs of each individual. A true leader is like a good shepherd, knowing every sheep by name, sensitive to its specific needs, and leading it to water and pasture.

• Connecting with Each Soul: Yehoshua possessed this rare quality. He wasn't just a general leading a nation, but a spiritual guide connecting with each person on their level. This teaches us that true leadership, and indeed true human connection, involves seeing and valuing the individual, understanding their struggles, and inspiring them personally.

The Daughters of Tzelafchad: Standing Up for What's Right

The daughters of Tzelafchad present a powerful example of conviction and courage. Their father had died without sons, meaning his name and portion in the land would be forgotten. They approached Moshe, the Nesi'im (princes), and the entire congregation, boldly stating their case.

• "Lo'Amru: Mi Yishma Lanu?" – "They did not say: Who will listen to us?" Despite being unmarried women in a society where public speaking by women was uncommon, they did not shy away. They believed in their cause – honoring their father's name – and pursued it with unwavering determination.

• Hashem's Affirmation: Hashem told Moshe Rabbeinu, "Ken Bnot Tzelafchad Doverot" – "The daughters of Tzelafchad speak correctly." He even revealed that He had been waiting for them to bring this law, emphasizing that when one feels something is right, they must stand up for it. This teaches us the importance of speaking up for our principles, even when it feels daunting.

The Korbanot: Food for the Soul

The latter part of Parashat Pinchas details the Korbanot (offerings) – the daily and holiday sacrifices. A Rav many years ago would advise women, even if short on time, to say the Parashat Korbanot from the Siddur each morning.

• "V'Amarta Lehem: Et Karbani, Lachmi..." – "And you shall say to them: My offering, My food..." The Torah refers to the burnt parts of the Korban as Lachmi (My bread/food). Just as bread sustains the body, the Korbanot sustain the soul. The word Korban comes from Karov (close), signifying proximity to Hashem.

• Tefilah as Korban: Since we no longer offer Korbanot, our Tefilah (prayer) takes their place. We pray to connect to Hashem. Reciting these verses deepens our understanding of prayer's significance. It is "food for the soul," allowing us to draw closer to Hashem.

• The Power of Honest Prayer – The Avrech's Story: An Avrech (Torah scholar) in Eretz Yisrael, driving his old car, accidentally hit another car, causing significant damage. Being honest, he left a note with his number. The owner called back, demanding 8000 shekels for repairs – a sum the Avrech couldn't afford. Distraught, his wife urged him to pray with all his heart. He did. The next day, expecting to hand over his salary, he received a call from the car owner. A long bus had backed into his car, totally destroying it. The bus company was replacing it with a new car; the Avrech owed him nothing!

  • Lesson: We often worry and try to solve problems ourselves. But Hashem always has a solution, even in the most unexpected ways. Our Tefilah reaches the Kisei HaKavod (Throne of Glory); Hashem is always listening, ready to help.

In essence, Parashat Pinchas empowers us: to act with zeal for holiness, to lead with individual care, to stand up for justice, and to connect deeply with Hashem through heartfelt prayer. Our actions, however small, can bring about profound change.

Have a wonderful, wonderful Shabbos, and may we only hear good news! (2020)