Vengeance and Compassion
The Zealot’s Reward
In this week’s parshah, we learn about the reward claimed by Pinchas for his zealotry in defending Hashem’s honor: “Behold, I grant him My covenant of peace.” Rashi explains that Pinchas justly earned his reward.[1] What does Rashi mean to add? Is it not obvious that Pinchas deserved reward for fulfilling this important mitzva,…
The Savagery of Yishmael
The Water of Controversy
After the passing of Miriam, the miraculous well that followed Bnei Yisrael in the Desert suddenly disappeared. With no water to drink, the nation complained to Moshe, fearing that they would die of thirst in the Desert. Hashem heard their complaints and commanded Moshe to take his staff, gather the nation together, and speak…
Obedience and Understanding
g I. Atoning for the Golden Calf In this week’s parsha we learn about the para aduma, the red heifer, which was used to purify those who had become impure by association with a dead body. Shlomo HaMelech, the wisest of all men, endeavored to understand the meaning of this mysterious ritual, but was…
Purity of Heart and Soul
In this week’s parshah, we encounter the parah adumah, whose ashes after burning were mixed with water from a flowing spring and then sprinkled with a hyssop upon those who had become impure by contact with the dead (tamei meis). This ritual impurity rendered one unable to enter the Beis HaMikdash or eat from…
Words of Strife
The Balance of Ketores
The Glory of Hashem
In this week’s parshah, we learn about the sin of the spies, who spoke against Eretz Yisrael and dissuaded Bnei Yisrael from entering. Hashem threatened to immediately destroy the entire nation in punishment, but Moshe Rabbeinu prayed on their behalf, awakening Hashem’s mercy: ויאמר משה אל ה' ושמעו מצרים כי העלית בכחך את…