VOLUME 121 NUMBER 8
Tamuz 18, 5786
July 3, 2026
Parshas Pinchas
Candlelighting Time 8:14
Pinchas killed a prince of the nation who was intimately involved with a non-Jewish princess from Midian. Certainly, one would praise such an act of bravery ignoring the status of the person involved and instead protecting the nation from experiencing within its midst such a travesty. However, just the opposite took place. The people jeered Pinchas and accused him of murdering one of the most eminent members of our nation. After all, his father Elazar had married a descendant of Yisro who was an idolater. Therefore, in a recap of the event, the Torah states that the genealogy of Pinchas dates back to Ahron. Although we were aware of this, the Torah emphasizes this point as an answer to those who criticized him for his vengeance.
The Rosh Yeshiva of Mir, Harav Elya Boruch cites the explanation of his Rebbe, Harav Nochum Partzovitz and Harav Chaim Shmelevitz that the dispute between the two sides was based upon the motivation of Pinchas. Those who opposed him claimed that the trait of his grandfather Yisro, an avid idolater for many years was the primary factor that incited Pinchas to do such a horrendous act and kill one of the outstanding people of our nation. However, the detractors asserted that his fundamental reason was because of his grandfather, Ahron. As we know Ahron was an aggressive peace maker. He strove to resolve differences between two parties who had difficulty with their relationship. Additionally, he refereed fights between husbands and wives and in general created an atmosphere of peace between all people. The slaying of the prince was in order to restore peace and calm in the nation that had been threatened by the inroads of foreign influences, namely Midian and its infidels. Therefore, pursuing a zealous route was actually implementing serenity and stability.
In fact, the Talmud states that Pinchas who was not originally ordained as a Kohen along with Ahron and his sons, attained the status of a Kohen when he killed Zimri, the prince of the tribe of Shimon when he was intimate with the Midian princess. Although Ahron’s legacy was one of peace and the Kohanim in general served in the Mishkan and the Beis Hamikdash which created an ambiance of harmony between the nation and Hashem therefore killing another would seem to be the antithesis of that posture, preserving the nation from its toxic involvement with a treacherous methodology actually rescued us from a plague that was raging within our midst. And that scourge was immediately apprehended due to the quick reaction of Pinchas despite the criticism that he had to endure. And perhaps he even foresaw what his actions would provoke, yet he was undeterred realizing the importance of his duty.
His reward was not only admission into the Kohanim clan but as the Midrash states Pinchas was Eliyahu who merited eternal life. His physicality was so enhanced and elevated by his approach to life as witnessed with this episode that indeed he was more angelic than mortal. We must upon occasion see through the fog and focus on that which is illustrious and therefore ultimately the truth.
A BYTE FOR SHABBOS
Moshe requested that Hashem appoint the new leader on the nation. Only Hashem with His ultimate wisdom and insight can capture the essence of the nation and select an appropriate individual that will relate to each and every person.
Rav Shlomo Kluger
GOOD SHABBOS
