B"H
Monday, Tammuz 16, 5784 / July 22, 2024
This week’s Parsha is Pinchas. The Parsha is named after Pinchas, who was the grandson of Aaron, the High Priest (Kohen Gadol).
Parshat Pinchas comes after Parshat Balak. Both Parshiot carry the name of a person. But, while Parshat Balak carries the name of a wicked king who wanted to destroy the Jewish people, Parshat Pinchas is named after Pinchas, who stopped a plague which caused the death of 24,000 Jews.
The Parsha begins, "And G-d spoke to Moshe, saying: Pinchas, the son of Elazar the son of Aaron the priest, has turned away My wrath from the Children of Israel and I did not destroy the children of Israel in My anger. Therefore, I say: Behold, I give him My covenant of peace (Shalom).”
Pinchas stopped the plague when he killed a leader of a tribe of Israel who sinned with a Midyonite woman in the presence of Moshe and the people of Israel. The Torah tells us that Moshe and the people were crying, as they didn’t know what to do. It was only due to the zealous act of Pinchas, who, reminded Moshe what the law was, and with Moshe’s permission, killed them both, which removed G-d’s wrath from the people.
Although Pinchas’ act may not have been viewed as an act of peace at another time and occasion, yet, in this case it saved the Jewish people and brought about peace between G-d and the Jewish people.
Our sages say that Pinchas and the Prophet Elijah are one and the same. Pinchas’ neshama later came back as Elijah the prophet. One of the many functions of Elijah the Prophet is that he attends every Brit (circumcision). He will also be the one to inform us that Moshiach is here, when the right time comes.
The Mohel (the one who performs the circumcision), announces before the Brit that there is a special chair set aside for Elijah the Prophet and invites Elijah to the Brit, to stand by his side and help him with the circumcision. One of the reasons it is such a great mitzvah and merit to attend a Brit is that we come face to face with Elijah in the same room! We may not see him, but he sees us and blesses not only the baby, but also the family and friends who are in attendance. Elijah-Pinchas brings blessings here, just like he did for the Jewish people in the desert.
Q. Why wasn't Pinchas a Kohen before, since his father and grandfather were Kohanim (priests)?
A. Although the priesthood is passed on automatically from father to son, this special status was to be transmitted only to future generations after G-d appointed Aaron and his sons to become Kohanim. It did not apply to any of Aaron's grandchildren who were living at that time. As a result, Pinchas, who was already born, was not a Kohen until G-d rewarded him the priesthood for his heroic act.
HAVE A VERY GOOD, HAPPY, HEALTHY AND SUCCESSFUL DAY
UNITED WE STAND WITH OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CAPTIVITY. MAY THEY ALL BE RELEASED NOW