Pinchas: Rooted in the Past, Building the Future

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Parshat Pinchas presents one of the Torah’s most remarkable moments of moral leadership, when the foundations of the emerging nation are tested for justice and compassion. How fitting that this story is read during a week that marks significant milestones for both Israel and the United States.

After the Torah outlines how the Land of Israel will be divided, the five daughters of Zelophehad approach Moshe and the nation’s leaders to request an inheritance, since their father left no sons. Their claim is so just that, as Rashi notes, God affirms it from on high. In contrast to the complaints and rebellions that precede their story, these women become champions of change rooted in devotion to Torah, respect for tradition, and the wisdom to recognize when renewal is needed. The rabbis bestow upon them their highest praise, calling them darshaniyot (interpreters), tzidkaniyot (righteous), and chachmaniyot (wise). They understood that correcting an injustice would strengthen not only their own future, but the future of the entire nation.

This week marks two significant milestones. The United States celebrates 250 years since the Declaration of Independence, while Israel has now passed 1,000 days since October 7 – a period of unimaginable loss, courage, and resilience. Both are moments to reflect on founding ideals: America’s vision of liberty, opportunity, and self-government, and Israel’s realization of the 2,000-year-old Zionist dream of a sovereign Jewish homeland. 

America at 250 and Israel after 1,000 difficult days are, each in their own way, unfinished stories. Like the daughters of Zelophehad, may we honor our roots while renewing the covenant that binds us together – building societies that remain faithful to their founding ideals while growing ever more just, compassionate, and inclusive for generations to come. Shabbat Shalom -Karen Miller Jackson

Parshat Pinchas: Change — The Torah Way

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What does parshat Pinchas teach about balancing tradition with innovation and about effecting successful change?

Bamidbar 28 repeats the various types of korbanot (offerings). Why is this repetition necessary? Rashi explains that the first time, in Tetzaveh, was during the inauguration of the mishkan, while now, it is “l’dorot”– to observe for all time. One verse in particular emphasizes the significance of consistent commitment involved in the daily tamid offerings: “You shall offer one lamb in the morning, and the other lamb you shall offer at twilight.” The Ein Yaakov cites Rabbi Shimon ben Pazi who teaches that this verse is “the essence of Torah.” The twice daily ritual creates a framework which shapes us and our relationship with God. According to one position in the Talmud, tefilla was instituted based on the daily tamid korbanot. This also captures the essence of tefilla, strengthening our connection to God daily.

How interesting then, that the korbanot which represent consistency, tradition and devotion immediately follow two episodes about significant change and innovation. First, after the Torah delineates how the land of Israel will be divided, the daughters of Zelophehad approach Moshe with a request for inheritance in Israel, as there were no sons to inherit. Their story highlights a delicate balance between tradition and innovation. The words which characterize their approach are words associated with tefilla: “Vatikravna” (and they drew close) and “vata’amodna” (and they stood). Drawing close — from the same root as korban, and standing — is reminiscent of the amidah. Second, Moshe sees the need to publicly and formally appoint his successor Joshua. Here too, the Torah uses language of devotion and continuity: Joshua is asked “to stand” before the nation and Moshe transfers some of his glory onto Joshua. 

Perhaps there is another reason the command to be punctilious in devotion and offerings to God follows these moments of significant change: To demonstrate how to bring about positive change while standing firm in tradition and religious commitment. Shabbat Shalom -Karen Miller Jackson

*May our tefillot bring nechama to the families of chayalim Shilo Amir z”l and David Yitzchak z”l and may their memories be for a blessing.