From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, July 26, 27, 2024/20, 21,Tammuz 5784
This Sabbath the Torah continues with Aaron’s grandson, Pinchas who was rewarded for his zeal. Another census of the Israelites is taken. The apportionment of the land of Canaan among the tribes. A census of the Levites. The laws of inheritance started with the case of the daughters of Zelophehad. The daily and festival offerings.
In ancient times women, especially daughters did not get an inheritance. Remember there were 13 children of Abraham? That’s the correct amount, yet only 12 tribes! Dinah, the only daughter from Abraham with his wife Leah never received an inheritance. This Torah portion has the five daughters of Zelophehad of the Israelite tribe of Manasseh claiming their rites of inheritance in the Promised Land after their father’s death. Since there were no sons, the new laws were written permitting daughters to inherit (in absence of sons), however only when married to a member of their father’s tribe (Numbers 27:36).
Today, after the last few weeks and days and watching Fanaticism throughout our country and the world, the Torah portion addressed this issue with the story of Pinchas. The incident of Pinchas’ killing of Zimri raised serious moral questions. The Israelites were lusting after Midianite women, who were trying to make them pray to their idol Ba’al Peor. G-d commands Moses to put to death all the ringleaders who have led the people astray wrongdoing. At that moment Zimri and Cozbi walked past Moses and enter a tent with the intention of having sexual relations. Pinchas is furious; he takes a spear, rushes into the tent, and stabs them both. Early rabbinic opinion was divided on whether or not Pinchas actions were justified. Pinchas did not consult with Moses, and took the law into his own hands.
The head rabbi Rav from Sura Academy, condemned Pinchas for fanaticism. Another head rabbi, Samuel of the Nehardea Academy, in Babylonia, praised Pinchas for his zeal, claiming that this was a case where G-d’s law was being publicly desecrated, and therefore, Pinchas was correct.
Today, scholars are still divided on whether Pinchas was a dangerous fanatic or a genuine hero? You may be the jury and decide which one Pinchas was. Today people riot, loot, and kill, yet they are not prosecuted in many incidents. One can see the destruction of our cities and capitol with individuals burning our flags, spray painting statues with “Hamas is Coming!”, others with Anti-Semitic vile rhetoric , and Nazi’s swastikas, while Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu was giving his speech to Congress! Freedom of speech? Freedom to spew Anti-Semitic rhetoric? How far can a person or group of activists push the law of Freedom to incite possible hate attacks against the Jewish people? You may be the judge.
I once wrote an article in the Spectrum about a member of Congress spewing Anti-Semitic rhetoric, and it was not at first put into the newspaper. A month goes by and another member of Congress joins the spewing of Anti-Semitic rhetoric, and then Spectrum published my response. There was no censure of the member by the Jewish members at first, but a Christian member of Congress! When we as Jews remain SILENT it only emboldens the Antisemite to continue their hateful rhetoric and actions.
Never Be Silent! Never Forget!
AM Ysrael Chai! Long Live Israel!
May we continue to pray for All the Hostages to be released. Unfortunately, this week 2 Hostages were found killed by Hamas. 220 Days!
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
