Dvar Torah for Parshat Pinchas

In memory of Yehoshua Heshel ben Chaim Yaakov who passed away this past Shabbat, 9 Tamuz 5765

Based on Likutey Moharan II, Lesson #65

"God said to Moshe, 'Tell Pinchas that because he took up My cause with jealous passion...I have given him My pact of peace; he and his descendants will be kohanim.'" (Numbers 25:10-13).

Rebbe Nachman teaches that being passionate in defending God's honor is equivalent to performing an act of charity (see Tosafot, Bava Batra 10b).
One of the powerful results of charity (or any act of kindness) is that it brings forgiveness, much the same way as a sacrifice in the Holy Temple did (Avot d'Rebbe Natan 4:4). Offering the sacrifices to bring forgiveness was the primary job of the kohanim.

The 17th of Tamuz is the beginning of the end, the fast that is the anniversary of the breach made in the walls of Jerusalem. Three weeks later, 9 Av, the Holy Temple was destroyed. So that we will be forgiven we need to act charitably, sometimes passionately.

Even in our passion, we must behave as Pinchas, consulting with our teachers (Rashi on Numbers 25:7) to make sure our behavior is based on Torah holiness and not untamed emotion. Then we can hope to at peace with God and with our fellow Jews. Amen.

Have an easy, meaningful fast. (The fast begins at dawn on Sunday and ends with nightfall. Check an accurate Jewish calendar for the times in your
locale.)

agutn Shabbos!
Shabbat Shalom!