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.

Simchat Torah: Celebrating Torah!

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Beginnings and endings are significant. This is true in the Torah as well. On Simchat Torah we complete the Torah when we read parshat Vezot Habracha and then begin again with sections of Bereshit. Why celebrate the completion of the Torah reading cycle? And how does this correspond with Rashi’s commentary on the final verse of the Torah?  

King Solomon set a precedent for celebrating a “siyum,” completion of a book or the entire Torah. The midrash (Shir Hashirim Rabbah 1:9) teaches that King Solomon awoke from a dream having acquired great wisdom which he had requested, so he celebrated with great joy and thanksgiving. This early source for celebrating the completion of the Torah on Simchat Torah highlights the importance of acquiring Torah wisdom as well as personalizing, innovating and ultimately celebrating our relationship with Torah.

A similar message is found in Rashi’s interpretation of the final verse of Devarim: “And in all that strong hand and awesome power that Moses displayed before the eyes of all Israel.” Rashi, citing midrash Sifrei, associates “that strong hand” with Moshe receiving the tablets “in his hands.” And “before the eyes of Israel” with Moshe smashing the tablets “before their eyes.” Why end his commentary on this seemingly negative note, a reminder of a low point for Israel? In fact, the Talmud sees positivity in Moshe’s breaking the luchot: “asher shibarta” (which you broke) is interpreted as God saying “yashar koḥakha” (loosely: more power to you) that you broke them. Rashi’s final commentary emphasizes that Torah does not come to an end. A “Living Torah” provides the possibility to continuously receive the Torah alongside the need to sometimes break or innovate within Torah – which is affirmed by God.   

May Simchat Torah be filled with personal appreciation and communal celebration of Torah. I want to thank you all for joining me on another power parsha journey this past year and I look forward to continuing to deepen our appreciation of Torah together this upcoming year! Chag Sameach – Karen Miller Jackson
This week we begin a new Torah reading and “Power Parsha” cycle. Please encourage friends and family to join! (if you already receive it, no need to sign up). To subscribe to “Power Parsha” a short dvar Torah on the topic of parsha, mindfulness and tefilla via whatsapp click here: https://chat.whatsapp.com/CKLpCygJaBf20sKbNmRV1u or via email here: https://karenmillerjackson.com/