Parashat Pinchas

Parashat Pinchas — “Phinehas”

Numbers 25:10-29:40; 1 Kings 18:46-19:21; John 2:13-25

This Shabbat we read the portion of Pinchas. It is also the first Shabbat of the three weeks in which we mourn the destruction of the Temple and intensify our efforts to perfect ourselves and the world around us in order to prepare for the building of the third Temple. This is further stressed by the teaching of the Targum Yonatan that Pinchas and became Eliyahu Hanavi (Elijah the prophet), who will announce the coming of Moshiach.

Pinchas was famed for his zealousness. At the end of last week’s portion, a situation occurred that caused Hashem’s wrath towards the Jewish people. Although there were older and wiser people present, Pinchas took action. Although many people ridiculed Pinchas, he did what needed to be done. The Torah tells us that his actions stayed a plague which had already taken twenty four thousand victims and that Hashem rewarded him with his covenant of peace.

The Torah portions which we read at a particular time of the year have a special message for that time. In these three weeks when we feel the intensity of the exile, the Torah teaches us to emulate Pinchas. Among the negative effects of Galut (exile) are complacency and lack of conviction.  So many important opportunities are lost because we wait for someone else to do something. Who am I, we ask ourselves. If there is a need, we must deal with it! Each chance could save someone’s future! Each moment could be the chance to bring Moshiach!

The code of Jewish law begins that one must be courageous like a leopard. Although people may criticize, we must do what is right. Eventually, those who scoff will turn to admirers. Imagine someone who scoffed at Pinchas and then was saved from the plague! Each time we do a Mitzvah, we improve the world. Who cares if others criticize? Furthermore, we must share the heritage of the Torah to our less knowledgeable brethren. It is the greatest kindness we can do to put a Mezuzah on a friend’s door or assure his children a Jewish education. It’s worth overcoming our embarrassment to assure a Jewish future.

At the end of the portion, the Torah enumerates the Jewish holidays. Interestingly, there total is 21 days, which correspond to the 21 days of these three weeks. This symbolizes our ability to change these days of mourning into holidays by bringing Moshiach. May we hear the announcement of Eliyahu Hanavi immediately!