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Pinchas – פִּינְחָס (Numbers 25:10−30:1)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Pinchas – פִּינְחָס (Numbers 25:10−30:1)

Moses spoke to יהוה, saying,

“Then the daughters of Zelophehad came forward…Mahlah, Noah, Holgah, Milcah, and Tirzah.” (Numbers 27:1). 

After a lengthy census is taken (Numbers 26) that only counted the men aged 20 and above, the Daughters of Zelophehad came forward, by name, to bravely request a change in law, which would allow them to inherit the land left to them by their father, despite him not having a male heir. Because of their courage, God personally changed the law, stating, “…their plea is just!” (Numbers 27:7). After seeing and experiencing injustice in their society, these brave women dared to stand in the face of adversity. May we all have the courage of Mahlah, Noah, Holgah, Milcah, and Tirzah and stand up for what is just in our world! 

Parsha Pinchas – פִּינְחָס Torah Summary:

Pinchas is rewarded for killing the Israelite and the Midianite woman who cursed God. (25:10–15) Israel fights a war against the Midianites. (25:16-18) A second census is taken. (26:1–65) The daughters of Zelophehad force a change in the laws of property inheritance. (27:1–11) Joshua is chosen to be Moses’ successor. (27:15–23) The sacrificial ritual for all festival occasions is described in detail. (28:1–30:1) Pinchas – פִּינְחָס

Balak – בָּלָק (Numbers 22:2−25:9)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Balak – בָּלָק (Numbers 22:2−25:9)

“I see a people who live apart and do not consider the other nations” (Numbers 23:9)

That’s the worst blessing we have had in our history. We are at our worst when we ignore the nations of the world! People are important and the way other nations view us, the way other people view us, should matter to us if we wish to be who we ought to be!

Parsha Balak – בָּלָק Torah Summary:

Balak, the king of Moab, persuades the prophet Balaam to curse the Israelites so that he can defeat them and drive them out of the region. However, Balaam blesses the Children of Israel instead and prophesies that Israel’s enemies will be defeated. (22:2-24:25) God punishes the Israelites with a plague for consorting with the Moabite women and their god. The plague is stayed after Pinchas kills an Israelite man and his Midianite woman. (25:1-9) Balak – בָּלָק “I see a people who live apart and do not consider the other nations” (Numbers 23:9) That’s the worst blessing we have had in our history. We are at our worst when we ignore the nations of the world! People are important and the way other nations view us, the way other people view us, should matter to us if we wish to be who we ought to be!

Chukat – חֻקַּת (Numbers 19:1−22:1)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Chukat – חֻקַּת (Numbers 19:1−22:1)

God tells Moses he will not enter the land of Israel because he hits the rock and doesn’t talk to the rock! Moses doesn’t argue, rather he ‘commands’ God to appoint a good and worthy leader to replace him, a leader who will be patient and compassionate to the people! Wish Israel would have such leadership today, that actually cares about the good of the people!

Parsha Chukat – חֻקַּת Torah Summary:

The laws of the red heifer to purify a person who has had contact with a corpse are given. (19:1-22) The people arrive at the wilderness of Zin. Miriam dies and is buried there. (20:1) The people complain that they have no water. Moses strikes the rock to get water for them. God tells Moses and Aaron they will not enter the Land of Israel. (20:2-13) The king of Edom refuses to let the Children of Israel pass through his land. After Aaron’s priestly garments are given to his son Eleazer, Aaron dies. (20:14-29) After they are punished for complaining about the lack of bread and water, the Israelites repent and are victorious in battle against the Amorites and the people of Bashan, whose lands they capture. (21:4-22:1) Chukat – חֻקַּת God tells Moses he will not enter the land of Israel because he hits the rock and doesn’t talk to the rock! Moses doesn’t argue, rather he ‘commands’ God to appoint a good and worthy leader to replace him, a leader who will be patient and compassionate to the people! Wish Israel would have such leadership today, that actually cares about the good of the people!

Korach – קֹרַח (Numbers 16:1−18:32)

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This Week’s Torah Portion: Korach – קֹרַח (Numbers 16:1−18:32)

Imagine having a fierce dispute with someone you don’t like, inviting God to judge who is right on the issue, and God ruling in your favor! The earth opens and your rival is swollen by the earth. That’s what happens to Korach who challenged Moses’ leadership! Not the best way for a diverse and pluralistic society!

Imagine having a fierce dispute with someone you don’t like, inviting God to judge who is right on the issue, and God ruling in your favor! The earth opens and your rival is swollen by the earth. That’s what happens to Korach who challenged Moses’ leadership! Not the best way for a diverse and pluralistic society! Korach – קֹרַח

Parsha Korach – קֹרַח Torah Summary:

Korach and his followers, Dathan and Abiram, lead a rebellion against the leadership of Moses and Aaron. God punishes the rebels by burying them and their families alive. Once again, God brings a plague on the people. (16:1-17:15) The chief of each tribe deposits his staff inside the Tent of Meeting. Aaron’s staff brings forth sprouts, produces blossoms, and bears almonds. (17:16-26) The Kohanim and Levites are established and assigned the responsibility of managing the donations to the Sanctuary. All of the firstborn offerings shall go to the priests and all the tithes are designated for the Levites in return for the services they perform. (18:1-32 Korach – קֹרַח