Insights into Spiritual Inheritance: Lessons from Pinchas, Matot, and the Three Weeks

The Jewish calendar this week brings us to a meaningful intersection: in chutz la'aretz (outside Israel), we read Parashat Pinchas, while in Eretz Yisrael, the reading is Parashat Matot. Next week, the parshiot will unite with the reading of Matot-Masei. At the same time, we find ourselves in the solemn days of the Three Weeks (Bein Hametzarim), a period of mourning that also offers deep opportunities for spiritual growth.

In this article, we explore timeless lessons from Parashat Pinchas, Parashat Matot, and the days of Bein Hametzarim—insights to strengthen our emunah (faith), refine our speech, and prepare our hearts for geulah (redemption).

The Three Weeks: Navigating Tragedy with Emunah

The Three Weeks, which mourn the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash (Holy Temple), began this year amid heartbreaking tragedies in many Jewish communities. In moments of pain and confusion, we cling to emunah shleima (complete faith), remembering the timeless truth: Hakol leTova—everything Hashem does is ultimately for the good. Though we may not yet understand, we trust that in the time of Mashiach, all will become clear.

The Two 21-Day Periods of Growth and Teshuva

Remarkably, the Jewish year gives us two parallel periods of 21 days—each designed to bring us closer to Hashem through reflection and growth:

1. Rosh Hashanah to Hoshana Rabbah

A time of teshuva and judgment, when we are called to return to Hashem with sincere introspection and heartfelt commitments.

2. Shiva Asar B'Tammuz to Tisha B'Av

Known as Bein Hametzarim (between the straits), these somber days also beckon us toward teshuva. Though marked by mourning, their deeper purpose is to draw us nearer to Hashem and prepare us for redemption.

Even in exile, Hashem is matzmiach Yeshua—planting the seeds of future salvation. As our Sages teach, Mashiach will be born on Tisha B’Av. The Midrash tells that when Boaz married Ruth the day before Shiva Asar B’Tammuz, her pregnancy began as Bein Hametzarim commenced—signaling that even in sorrow, Hashem was preparing the path to David HaMelech and ultimately to Mashiach.

Parashat Pinchas: The Eternal Power of Spiritual Inheritance

Parashat Pinchas is rich with themes of spiritual legacy. Three powerful examples illuminate how our actions today create an eternal inheritance:

1. Pinchas’s Reward for Kiddush Hashem

Pinchas’s courageous act of Kiddush Hashem earned him the eternal role of Eliyahu HaNavi, who appears at every Brit Milah and will herald the coming of Mashiach. A single moment of spiritual bravery can echo through eternity.

2. The Daughters of Tzelafchad: A Love for Eretz Yisrael

These righteous women boldly requested an inheritance in Eretz Yisrael, demonstrating unwavering love for the Land. Their lineage from Yosef HaTzaddik, whose love for Eretz Yisrael persisted even in death, teaches us that spiritual DNA can surpass physical inheritance—shaping our deepest values.

3. Moshe Rabbeinu’s Successor: Yehoshua’s Leadership

When informed he would not enter the Land, Moshe Rabbeinu prayed not for his own sons, but for a leader worthy of guiding Klal Yisrael. Hashem chose Yehoshua ben Nun, known for his empathy and ability to understand each Jew. True leadership is a legacy of care, devotion, and selflessness.

The Enduring Influence of Our Spiritual Forebears

Every parent can pass down not only physical traits but also spiritual greatness. Avraham Avinu instilled the innate drive to perform chesed (kindness); Aharon HaKohen’s love of peace made his children into generations of Kohanim. Our Avot and Imahot transmitted resilience, compassion, and faith—qualities that continue to shape our lives today.

Moshe Rabbeinu: A Model of Selfless Leadership

Moshe’s humility and devotion shine when, even in the face of personal disappointment, he focuses entirely on the future of his people. A moving Midrash compares him to the Ayala (doe), who in the throes of birth still seeks water to nourish all creatures of the forest. Moshe’s selflessness reflects the highest form of prophecy: not mere knowledge, but boundless empathy and love for Klal Yisrael.

Parashat Matot: The Sanctity of Speech and Vows

Parashat Matot opens with the laws of nedarim (vows), teaching the unparalleled seriousness of speech. Breaking a vow is compared to taking Hashem’s Name in vain—a profound responsibility.

The Unique Power of Human Speech

Speech sets us apart from animals, enabling us to connect with Hashem and others. The Gemara warns of tragic consequences for careless vows, reminding us that every word matters.

The Chofetz Chaim taught that much suffering in galut (exile)—including the loss of the Beit HaMikdash—results from the misuse of speech, especially lashon hara (negative speech). He merited seeing the fulfillment of his blessings because he guarded his words with care and truth. In these days of Bein Hametzarim, careful speech can help rebuild what was lost.

A Story of Emunah: Hakol MiShamayim, Hakol LeTova

Rav Bidderman shares a remarkable story of emunah:

A young boy required a life-saving surgery abroad. After much effort to raise funds, the family faced a harsh setback: the renowned doctor refused to cooperate. In the end, an assistant performed the successful operation. Years later, when the boy relapsed, they returned to the clinic. Now department head, the assistant revealed he had performed the original surgery as well—and now provided treatment free of charge.

This story reminds us: even when we cannot understand life’s twists and turns, we must trust that Hakol MiShamayim and Hakol LeTova. One day, the full picture will be revealed.

Conclusion: From Bein Hametzarim to Geulah

As we journey through these reflective weeks of Bein Hametzarim, may we internalize the lessons of:

• Spiritual inheritance from our forebears

• Selfless leadership modeled by Moshe Rabbeinu

• The sanctity of speech as taught in Parashat Matot

May our efforts in these areas hasten the day when Bein Hametzarim is transformed into a time of yeshua (salvation), nechama (comfort), and refuah (healing) for all of Klal Yisrael.