The Torah Center

A Taste of Torah....Pinchas

In this week's Parsha, the Torah tells us about two unique challenges, and how each one was dealt with in its own, distinct, way. The first involves an "in your face" affront, by a prominent Jewish man and a Midianite woman, to basic Jewish values. Pinchas, an otherwise unknown grandson of Aaron, stepped forward, and killed the perpetrators of the brazen act of defiance. He understood that sometimes there are situations that require decisive, though unpleasant, responses.

He took a major risk - by taking the initiative to do something drastic - without consultation, committee meetings or studies. Even though he committed a violent act, Hashem blessed Pinchas with "My covenant of peace", because, ultimately peace was his goal, and his accomplishment.

Later on in the Parsha, the Torah introduces us to five sisters, whose father, Zelafchad, had died, leaving no sons. As the land of Israel was to be divided up by tribe and family, the common understanding was that a man's legacy, i.e. his property, would be maintained through his sons. As there were no sons in this family, the daughters respectfully approached Moshe, asking that they should be able to inherit their father's portion of land, and that his legacy would carry on through them. As a true and humble leader would do, Moshe consulted Hashem for guidance in this relatively unique case. Hashem agreed with the daughters, and the situation was peacefully resolved.

Even though the stories of Pinchas and the daughters of Zelafchad were totally unique, and their resolution remarkably different, they did have one thing in common, which is relevant to us. In each case, the protagonist could have been passive, and just let things be the way they were. But each one took the initiative to challenge the status quo, seeing that there was an injustice being perpetrated. And the approach of each one was appropriate for the situation.

The lesson for us is clear: we live in times of drastic challenges to the values of our society and our faith. Either we can say that a) all progress is good or b) it may not be good, but what can I do about it? The Torah teaches us that we must stand up and defend the values of the Torah and/or the Constitution when they come under attack.

Just as Moshe turned to Hashem, and received guidance in his situation, so may Hashem grant us the clarity and blessings to help us deal with our unprecedented modern-day challenges.