Parashat Pinchas: Zeal, Covenant, and the Echo of Redemption

Good morning, everyone!

I am so happy to share wonderful news with you: a great-grandson was born in Yerushalayim, whose breath will be a blessing from Hashem tomorrow at his brit milah (circumcision ceremony). May we always share and celebrate such good news together, bringing joy and simcha (happiness) into our lives. This is especially fitting as we approach Parashat Pinchas, a parasha filled with deep lessons about zealotry, leadership, and holiness.

Eliyahu HaNavi: The Eternal Guest at Every Brit Milah

In every brit milah, a special chair is prepared for Eliyahu HaNavi, the eternal prophet and guardian of the covenant. But what is the connection between Eliyahu HaNavi and Pinchas? We know that Pinchas is the personification of zeal for Hashem—he acted with kanna (zealousness) to sanctify Hashem’s name during a time of great Chillul Hashem (desecration of G-d's name).

Pinchas courageously stopped a terrible sin when the prince of Shimon mocked Moshe Rabbeinu and brought a Midianite woman into the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting). At that moment, the people were paralyzed by uncertainty, unsure how to act. But Pinchas remembered the Halacha (Jewish law): when sanctifying Hashem’s name, one may take drastic measures to prevent desecration — but only with pure intentions, not personal vengeance.

Because of Pinchas’ pure zeal, Hashem blessed him with the eternal priesthood, and Chazal (our Sages) say Pinchas became Eliyahu HaNavi himself. Both figures share the sacred mission to protect the covenant and uphold Hashem’s honor.

Eliyahu HaNavi’s Zeal for Hashem’s Covenant

Eliyahu HaNavi lived during the reign of King Achav, a king who led Israel astray into idol worship and persecution of true believers. Eliyahu fought fiercely to bring the people back to Hashem, even causing a drought for three years to awaken them to teshuvah (repentance).

Like Pinchas, Eliyahu’s mission was to sanctify Hashem’s name and defend the covenant. He famously challenged the idolaters on Mount Carmel, proving that Hashem is the one true G-d.

Brit Milah: A Living Covenant and Connection to Redemption

Why is Eliyahu HaNavi present at every brit milah? Because brit milah is the eternal symbol of the covenant between Hashem and the Jewish people. Even when Israel strayed, Eliyahu remained hopeful and was sent to every brit milah as a messenger of renewal and redemption.

This momentous occasion is not just a physical rite — it is a spiritual awakening, a call to teshuvah, and a profound reminder of our connection to Hashem. Eliyahu’s presence encourages us to prepare for the ultimate redemption (geulah), which he will herald before Moshiach comes.

Parashat Pinchas and the Korbanot: Our Daily Connection to Hashem

At the end of Parashat Pinchas, the Torah details the daily and festival korbanot (offerings). These korbanot represent our constant service and closeness to Hashem. Just like the korban tamid (daily offering) brought a continuous bond, so too must we strive for constant kavanah (intentionality) in our prayers and mitzvot (commandments).

The Chachamim (Sages) say the pasuk (verse) detailing the korbanot is one of the most important in the Torah because it expresses our deep yearning to connect with Hashem. Without this constant connection, the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash began — and today, we mourn its absence.

Final Thoughts: May We Merit the Rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash

As we live in the times of Bein HaMeitzarim (the period of distress between 17 Tammuz and Tisha B'Av), when we mourn the loss of the Beit HaMikdash, let us strengthen our Torah learning, mitzvot, and prayers.

May Hashem grant us the merit to see the rebuilding of the Beit HaMikdash speedily in our days.

Wishing you all a wonderful Shabbos filled with blessing and simcha. May we only share good news from Yerushalayim!