Transforming Our Days: Peace, Empathy, and Closeness to Hashem in Parashat Pinchas

Hello everyone. I'm sending you a short message today, primarily as a zechut (merit) for a refuah shleimah (complete healing) for my dear husband, Shloime ben Yehudis. May he feel better and stronger, very, very speedily. Today also marks the Yahrzeit (anniversary of passing) of my grandmother, Mara Shavel Bas Avish Meyer, aliyah shalom, after whom I am named. She was a great Eishes Chayil (woman of valor) who, thankfully, passed before the war, sparing her from Auschwitz like the rest of our family. She instilled the spirit of Chassidut in her children, which permeated down to my father, zecharo Hashem yikom damo. May her neshama have an aliyah.

This week, we read Parashat Pinchas, which marks the beginning of the "Three Weeks" – Bein HaMetzarim. This period, between Shiva Asar B'Tammuz (which marked the first breach in Jerusalem's walls and the sin of the Golden Calf) and Tisha B'Av, is a time of sadness and introspection. "Metzarim" (מצרים) means narrowness or distress. When we are happy, we feel expansive; when we are in distress, we often feel contracted, closed off, and seek an escape.

Our goal during these three weeks is to transform them from a period of distress into days of Geulah (redemption) and Simcha (joy). We often say that Galut (exile) can be transformed into Geulah by adding an "Aleph" (א). This "Aleph" represents Alufo shel Olam, the unique and singular Source of everything – HaKadosh Baruch Hu – Whom we must bring into our lives.

So, what does Parashat Pinchas teach us about bringing Hashem's presence, the Shechinah, closer into our lives?

1. Pinchas: The Covenant of Peace

The very first lesson in this Parasha is Pinchas's eternal merit. Hashem tells him, "Hineni noten lo et Briti Shalom" – "Behold, I give him My covenant of peace." One might wonder: Pinchas’s act was one of zealotry, slaying Zimri and Kozbi; how can this be called a "covenant of peace"?

• Shalom is a name of Hashem: Shalom comes from the word shleimut, meaning perfection. Hashem's Name is Shalom, and peace is the greatest strength.

• An act of selfless zealotry: Pinchas’s act was not one of personal vengeance. When Zimri publicly disgraced Moshe Rabbeinu by questioning his marriage to Tzipporah (a Midianite) as justification for his own sin, Moshe Rabbeinu was momentarily paralyzed. Chazal teach that Hashem removed Moshe's ability to react because a personal insult could be misconstrued as the motive.

• Elevating Hashem's Name: Pinchas, seeing a tremendous Chillul Hashem (desecration of God's Name), stepped forward. He risked his life, not for subjective gain, but solely to sanctify Hashem's Name and uphold the principles of Torah. He brought peace back into the world by removing the disgrace. For this, Hashem rewarded Pinchas and his descendants with the priesthood, becoming Kohanim Gedolim (High Priests).

2. The Daughters of Tzelofchad: Love of Eretz Yisrael

Next, we encounter the daughters of Tzelofchad. They sought to inherit their father's portion in Eretz Yisrael. Their father had sinned and died in the desert without sons. The daughters of Tzelofchad understood that by entering Eretz Yisrael and inheriting land, they would bring kapara (atonement) to their father's soul and continue his spiritual legacy.

• Elevating the Family Name: They yearned for a part in the Holy Land, a place of Kedusha (holiness), even though some of their tribe (Menashe) settled east of the Jordan for their abundant cattle.

• Love of the Land: Their tremendous desire for Eretz Yisrael, a place closest to Hashem, showed their deep love for the land and their commitment to living in a place of sanctity. They prioritized spiritual legacy over convenience or material wealth.

3. Yehoshua: A Leader of Empathy

As Moshe Rabbeinu's passing approaches, a new leader must be chosen. Moshe pleaded with Hashem to appoint one of his sons. However, HaKadosh Baruch Hu chose Yehoshua. Why Yehoshua?

• Devotion to Torah Service: Yehoshua was described as "Ish Asher Ruach Bo" – "a man in whom there is spirit." Chazal elaborate that he was a devoted servant to Torah, always present to assist Moshe and the Torah's needs. Serving Torah and showing respect through any necessary task is as important as learning.

• Empathy and Understanding: "Ish Asher Ruach Bo" also means a person with empathy and understanding for each individual. A leader faces the immense challenge of guiding hundreds of thousands, yet Yehoshua possessed the unique quality of considering each person's needs. Hashem desires this quality in all of us, not just leaders. Especially during Bein HaMetzarim, as we work to atone for past sins (particularly Sinat Chinam – baseless hatred), we must cultivate empathy, understanding, and consideration for others.

Korbanot and Daily Consistency: Drawing Close to Hashem

The Parasha concludes with the Korbanot (sacrifices), detailing the specific offerings brought daily, on Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh, and festivals. Korbanot were a means of drawing closer to Hashem. Today, without the Beis HaMikdash, our Tefillot (prayers) serve this purpose.

Just as Pinchas brought peace through a heroic act, there is also the daily consistency of the Korban Tamid (daily offering). Day after day, we strive to draw closer to Hashem, to daven with more Kavanah (intention). This consistent effort is what brings the "Aleph" into Galut, transforming it into Geulah, speedily in our days.

The Power of Empathy: Rav Desser's Lesson

I'll end with a short story about Rav Dessler, known for his extraordinary love, care, and consideration for others. One day, a man rushed into his study, demanding to see the Rav immediately. He seemed agitated, claiming, "Rav, I am Eliyahu HaNavi! And I'm bringing Mashiach right away, right away!"

Rav Dessler remained calm. He looked at the man and said, "Really? You are Eliyahu HaNavi and Mashiach? I've been waiting for you for so many years! I have so many questions that I've never found answers to. Let's sit down right now, and you can answer them all."

The man, shocked and taken aback, had no Torah knowledge. He had no answers. He quickly ran out of the room. Rav Dessler could have dismissed him or thrown him out. Instead, he showed profound consideration, spoke the man's "language" without raising his voice, and diffused the situation with empathy. This, Rav Dessler demonstrated, is the Mida (attribute) of Shalom.

May we always merit that "Hashem Yevarech Et Amo BaShalom" – Hashem blesses His people with peace. Have a wonderful Shabbos, and all my love from Yerushalayim!