Thursday, July 17, 2008

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)

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