Torah Portion: Pinchas; Numbers 25:10-30:1

D’var Torah: This week’s Torah portion is named for Pinchas, a man whose zealotry leads him to murder two sinners in the name of God.  In our time, when we hear that someone is waging a war “in the name of God,” the image that most often comes to mind is of a terrorist!  However, at first glance, the Torah seems to praise Pinchas!  In fact, the Torah tells us that after Pinchas’ act of zealotry, God blesses him with a covenant of shalom, of peace.  How can this be?

One of my favorite Torah commentaries, Torah Gems, quotes Rabbi B.Y. Natan, who explains: “God gave Pinchas a covenant of peace as a gift….  The way of peace is always better and more effective than that of zealotry.”  Although the Torah seems to praise Pinchas, the truth is that it offers a subtle condemnation and redirection of his harsh actions. Instead of anger, the Torah says, you should act from peace. 

This has so much meaning for us today!  We can respond to situations in our lives out of fear or anger—and this might get us what we want!  But, the Torah teaches, responding from a place of peace is the real goal.  Before you respond to something you don’t like or agree with, let this lesson from Torah speak to you, and perhaps the blessing of God’s peace will enter you.  I hope this Shabbat brings you peace, compassion, and love in abundance — for the week to come and beyond.  Shabbat Shalom!

For more insight in this week’s Torah portion, visit urj.org/torah.