Parshat Pinchas
21 Taamuz 5764

July 10, 2004
Daf Yomi: Bechoros 28

Guest Author:
Rabbi Raphael Wizman

Young Israel of Commack, NY

 

Parshat Pinchas teaches us about the census-taking after the plague, the dividing of the Land of Israel, Joshua as the succeeding leader and concludes with korbanot (sacrifices) for every holiday.

Yet, this Parsha is called Pinchas even though only the first five p'sukim (sentences) deal with Pinchas.

What message do these p�sukim convey to us that they become the primary focus of the Parsha, and hence the name Pinchas?

There are several questions about this Parsha. Firstly, why was Pinchas singled out to be the recipient of such a great reward of Brith Shalom - covenant of peace, and Khunat Olam - eternal priesthood? Didn't Moshe and Aharon also prevent the destruction of the people many times in the past? Secondly, why did Pinchas merit to enter the Land of Israel for the act of saving his people but Moshe and Aharon did not? Thirdly, the Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim, Siman 128 halacha 46) rules that a kohen who killed even unintentionally (shogeg) may not duchan even if he did teshuva. This halacha certainly differs from what we see here for Pinchas?

The Gemara (Sanhedrin 82b) relates some of the miracles, that took place for Pinchas while carrying out the kanaut, (zeal) that protected him from the mob who wanted to avenge the killing of Zimri. Moshe and Aharon, obviously, do not condone zealousness to such a degree. They did not believe that one may kill one person to save another. This zeal is not characteristic of important leaders.

Indeed, the Yerushalmi Sanhedrin 9:7 states that Pinchas acted against the wishes of the sages. If so, why did he merit such great reward, and directly from HaShem? The Medrash Shir HaShirim Rabbah even says that "Pinchas zeh Eliyahu," the same Eliyahu HaNavi who will herald the coming of the Mashiach and universal peace.

Perhaps, these questions can be answered by understanding the word "kanaut" - zeal. Kanaut, in and by itself is not favored or encouraged. It is an extreme quality. Is is also a dangerous one. It should not be used loosely. The proper kanai (zealot) like Pinchas is one who can determine the right time and place for his zealousness. He must be unselfish. His acts much be completely l'shem shamayim - for the sake of HaShem, and not for promoting an agenda or idealism. Pinchas chose this extreme path in order to save his people who were dying from a plague as a result of immorality. He put his life in danger in order to bring peace and tranquility to his people. His reward was precisely that - shalom. Pinchas, obviously chose the right path of zeal as evidenced by HaShem's approval and reward. Praying for his people in a time like this was not an option. He chose to act when others stood in shock and did not know how to react to such immorality on the part of a Nasi, an important Jewish leader, in the presence and in "sight of Moshe and in the sight of all the people".

Another word that is puzzling is "b'tocham" - "amongst them Pinchas calmed My anger�when he zealously avenged My vengeance among them." This word "b'tocham" seems to be superfluous.

But, the Sfas Emes explains, when we look closely at the Hebrew words in the pasuk, we can understand the sentence differently. Pinchas brought the idea of zealousness among the people, so that they should no longer tolerate immorality.
Rav Moshe Soffer explains "b'tocham� to mean the excitement and enthusiasm exuded among those who commit immorality. Pinchas saw this enthusiasm and excitement among them and decided to use the same enthusiasm and excitement to stop the evil perpetrated upon his people.

Rav Pinchas from Koritz says that a real kanai (zealot), whose actions are pure and only l'shem shamayim - for the sake of Heaven is one who fights HaShem's war against evil and doesn't set himself apart from his people. On the contrary, he remains "b'tocham" - part of them. He does so, not for self-aggrandizement, but only as one of his people for who he endangered himself.

To receive a free e-mail subscription to NCYI�s weekly Torah Bulletin, send an email to: YI_Torah@lb.bcentral.com