From The Rabbi’s Study…Shabbat, July 18, 19, 2025/22, 23 Tammuz 5785
The Torah continues with Pinchas, Aaron’s grandson, being rewarded for his zeal; another census of the Israelites is taken; the appointment of the land of Canaan among the tribes; a census of the Levites; the laws of inheritance with the case of the daughters of Zelophechad; the daily and festival offerings are discussed.
Judaism concepts and values of Inheritance and Fanaticism are discussed:
What happens when a father dies, and he only has daughters; who will inherit? This was the first time women spoke out for their claim of their father’s portion in the Promised Land. New laws were written permitting daughters to inherit (in the absence of sons), but they must marry a member in their father’s tribe (Numbers 27:36).
The incident of Pinchas’ killing of Zimri raised serious moral questions. The Torah states the Israelites were lusting after the Midianite women, who enticed them to worship their idol Ba’al Peor. G-d commands Moses to put to death all the ringleaders who lead the people into wrongdoing. At that moment, Zimri and Cobzi walk past Moses and enter a tent with the intent of having sexual relations. Pinchas was furious; he takes a spear, rushes into the tent, and stabs them both.
Rabbinic opinion was divided on whether Pinchas’ action was justified. Certainly, Pinchas did not discuss this with Moses and took the law into his own hands. So, the question to you is: Was Pinchas a dangerous fanatic or a genuine hero?
The Haftarah is also connected with the Torah about worship of an idol. This was the Jezebel story of her enticing the people to worship Baal; the famous story of Prophet Elijah and the challenge on the top of Mount Carmel to prove there is only One G-d! The wet logs were kindled by Elijah and the Baal Priests could not light theirs. All the people proclaimed G-d to be the one and only ruler and abandoned Baal. Spoiler alert…
Jezebel, the Phoenician and wife of King Ahab, forced Elijah to flee into the Judean desert. G-d appeared to him and instructed him to return north to carry out his work against idolatry and evil. Also, why Elijah will be the one to announce the Messiah’s coming and the reason why the cup of Elijah is on the Seder table.
May we be thankful for everything the Lord gives us; the commandments that guide us to a moral and ethical way to live.
May we continue to pray for Israel to rescue our hostages, rid the Gaza of Hamas, and bring peace to the land.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Helene Ainbinder
