Parashah Roundup: Pinchas 5768

by Steve Brizel

The Covenant of Peace

R. Aharon Lichtenstein suggests that the covenant of peace is a blessing that even someone who is dedicated to truth and peace, but is forced to commit a violent act, will ultimately return to his peaceful roots: link

R. Berel Wein underscores the fact that Pinchas, despite his actions at the beginning of the Parsha,erred in judgment and thus, is not repeated and complimented again in the Torah: link

R. Asher Brander suggests that Pinchas, because of his conduct, required a special bracha in order to remain a Kohen: link

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R. Yissocher Frand, based upon the comments of the Netziv and Golda Meir, illustrates why zealotry must be exercised in a delicate and careful manner: link

R. Mordechai Willig, based upon the teachings of Rambam in the Moreh Nevuchim and R Chaim Yaakov Goldvicht z"l, suggests that the covenant of peace is is transmitted at every Bris Milah and through proper parenting: link

Parshas HaMusafim

The Gra, based upon the Zohar, as elucidated by R. Eliezer Kwass, tells us why the Karbanos for Peach and Sukkos differ in number and how they are offered: link

R. Zev Leff explains why God instructed Moshe Rabbeinu to teach the Jewish People the Parshas HaMusafim before choosing his successor: link

R. Yitzchak Etshalom demonstrates that the process of transition in leadership was paralleled by a parsha that exemplifies the constancy of the relationship between God and the Jewish People: link

The Succession of Joshua as the leader of the Jewish People

R. Jonathan Sacks emphasizes that Torah leadership is not dynastic in nature: link

The Laws of Inheritance

R. Asher Weiss provides an overview of the laws of inheritance: link

R. Elchanan Samet suggests that the daughters of Tzleofchad were not the prototypes for feminists, but rather seeking their father's portion of the inheritance of the Land of Israel: link

R. Shlomo Riskin reminds us that our parents and grandparents inherit the Land of Israel through our actions: link

Understanding Exile and Redemption

Rav Soloveitchik zt"l discusses Aveilus Yeshanah and Aveilus Chadashah, Tisha Bav and explains Kinos: link 1, link 2

R. Tzvi Sobolofsky urges us to remember that the cessation of the Korban Tamid should serve as a vehicle for rededicating our lives to Avodas HaShem: link

R. Asher Weiss emphasizes that we must experience both exile and redemption on a personal and communal level and different views within the Rishonim how the Bayis Shlishi will be rebuilt: link (audio)