Shalom Friends;
This week, our Parshat HaShavua, Pinchas is being sponsored by Matis and Marla Sklar of Ramat Beit Shemesh and dedicated Lilui Nishmas Matis’ mother Devorah bas Yisroel whose yahrtzeit was 29 Sivan and dedicated for the safety of the Chayalim as well as for the good health and security of kol Am Yisrael. To the Sklar family, many thanks for your sponsorship and for your continued kindnesses.
You can celebrate a Simcha — a birth, a Bar/Bat Mitzvah, a Chassuna or other Simcha event in your life, or commemorate a Yahrtzeit of a loved one, or for whatever other reason by sponsoring a Parshat HaShavua.
Please forward to your relatives and friends and encourage them to sponsor a Parshat HaShavua. And please be in contact with me with any questions, or for further details.
Best Regards,
Moshe Burt
olehchadash@yahoo.com
Subscribe to the Israel and the Sin of Expulsion blog, to ask questions or to sponsor a Parsha Vort at: olehchadash@yahoo.com
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We open this vort on Parshat Pinchas with the beginning excerpts from Rabbi Shmuel Goldin’s Parshat Summary in his Sefer, “Unlocking the Torah Text” for Sefer Bamidbar (page 253) :
As the curtain rises on Parshat Pinchas, Hashem delineates (verb – used with an object: to portray in words; describe or outline with precision) the Divine Reward to be bestowed upon Pinchas for his act of Zealotry during the episode of Ba’al Pe’or. This reward is to include a “covenant of peace” and a “covenant of eternal Kehunah.”
Torah opens our Parshat Pinchas:
“Hashem spoke to Moshe saying: ‘Pinchas, son of Elazar, son of Aaron HaKohen, turned back My wrath from upon the B’nei Yisrael when he zealously avenged Me sake among them, so that I did not consume the B’nei Yisrael in My jealousy.’ Therefore, say: ‘Behold! I give him My covenant of peace. And it shall be for him and his offspring after him a covenant of eternal Kehunah, because he took vengeance for his G’d, and he atoned for the B’nei Yisrael.'” (The Artscroll Stone Edition Chumash rendered to English Sefer Bamidbar, Perek 25, posukim 10-13)
Returning to Rabbi Goldin’s Parshat Summary in his Sefer, “Unlocking the Torah Text” for Sefer Bamidbar (page 253) :
Hashem then commands Moshe concerning the new state of enmity that is to exist between Am Yisrael and the nation of Midian, due to the devastating damage caused by the Midianites during the episode of the Ba’al Pe’or.
In previous vorts on Parshat Pinchas, this author has dealt with Rabbinic commentaries;(1), (2) regarding Pinchas’ actions and zealotry.
In this vort, we will discuss leadership, the leadership transition from Moshe to Yehoshua and commentaries on the ideal roles of our leaders.
The Artscroll Stone Edition Chumash renders to English Sefer Bamidbar, Perek 27, posukim 15 – 21, Perek 28, posukim 1 – 2) :
“Moshe spoke to Hashem, saying, ‘May Hashem, G’d of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the assembly, who will go out before them and come in before them, who shall take them out and bring them in; and let the assembly of Hashem not be sheep who have no shepherd,'”
“Hashem said to Moshe, ‘Take yourself Yehoshua ben Nun, a man in whom there is spirit, and lean your hand upon him. You shall stand him before Elazar the Kohen and before the entire assembly, and command him before their eyes. You shall place some of your majesty upon him, so that the entire assembly of B’nei Yisrael will pay heed. Before Elazar the Kohen shall he stand, who will inquire for him of the judgement of the Urim before Hashem, at his word shall they come in, he and all the B’nei Yisrael with him, and the entire assembly.'”
[Sefer Bamidbar, Perek 27, posukim 15 – 21]“Hashem spoke to Moshe, saying: ‘Command the B’nei Yisrael and say to them: My offering, My food for My fires, My satisfying aroma, shall you be scrupulous to offer to Me in its appointed time.'” [Sefer Bamidbar, Perek 28, posukim 1 – 2]
Rabbi Shmuel Goldin’s provides a context for Parshat Pinchas on Sefer Bamidbar, Perek 28, posukim 1 – 2 in his sefer “Unlocking The Torah Text,” Sefer Bamidbar (pages 269 – 271) :
A dramatic interchange between Hashem and Moshe concerning Moshe’s impending death concludes with the public appointment of Yehoshua as Moshe’s eventual successor.
The text immediately moves to a lengthy description of daily, Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh and festival communal offerings. (Rabbi Goldin citing and summarizing Sefer Bamidbar, Perek 27, posuk 12 through Perek 30, posuk 1)
Rarely is the textual translation in the Torah so abrupt. What if any connection is there between the death of Moshe Rabbeinu and the appointment of Yehoshua on the one hand, and the litany of communal korbonot, on the other? Why are these sections juxtaposed [Adjective: Placed or appearing close together or side by side, especially with an arresting or surprising effect, or in a way that invites comparison or contrast] in the text?
Commentators are divided in their approaches to this sudden textual transition.
Rashi, for instance, quoting an earlier Midrashic tradition [Rabbi Goldin citing Sefer Bamidbar, Perek 28. [posuk 1 – 2], maintains that Hashem now demands from Moshe what Moshe just demanded from Him:
“Just a moment ago, Moshe, you directed Me toward the concerns of the people with the request that I appoint a successor to lead the nation after your death. I responded with the appointment of Yehoshua. Now, Moshe, direct the people towards My concerns by listing the ongoing communal offerings [korbonot = sacrifices] that they will be responsible to bring.” [Rabbi Goldin citing Rashi on Sefer Bamidbar, Perek 28, posukim 1 – 2]
The Ohr HaChaim… suggests that the Torah lists the communal offerings specifically at this point… to forestall a potential misunderstanding on Yehoshua’s part. Yehoshua might erroneously assume that his new leadership role will authorize him to donate communal korbonot on the people’s behalf. Hashem therefore emphasizes that such offerings must come from the communal coffer. [Rabbi Goldin citing Ohr HaChaim on Sefer Bamidbar, Perek 28, posuk 2]
The Ibn Ezra… adopts a more straightforward approach. Hashem commands Moshe to instruct the people concerning the communal offerings because Moshe will not be there to do so [to instruct them] after they enter the land. [Rabbi Goldin citing Ibn Ezra on Sefer Bamidbar, Perek 28, perek 1]
Other scholars perceive references within the offerings themselves to specific challenges that will accompany the leadership transition from Moshe to Yehoshua.
The Ralbag… adopts an approach that the listing of the communal korbonot at this point in the text foreshadows a looming shift in the nation’s ability to communicate with Hashem. With the mantle of leadership passing from Moshe to Yehoshua, the level of prophetic vision guiding the people will inexorably weaken. Moshe’s singular relationship with the Divine, described in Torah as “face-to-face” will not be replicated by any other prophet. [Rabbi Goldin citing Sefer Devarim, Perek 33, posuk 11] Yehoshua and leaders to follow will be compelled to augment their own more distant prophetic vision through consultation with the Urim V’Tumim, the miraculous mechanism on the Kohen Gadol’s breastplate designed to facilitate dialogue with the Divine. [Rabbi Goldin citing Sefer Shemot, Perek 38, posuk 30; Talmud Bavli Yoma 73b]
By textually connecting the nation’s ritual obligations to the leadership transition from Moshe to Yehoshua, the Torah… underscores the high stakes now attached to the community’s performance. [Rabbi Goldin citing Ralbag on Sefer Bamidbar, Perek 27, posuk 15 thru Perek 28, posuk 39]
Rabbi Zev Leff provides further context and clarity to the important interchange between Hashem and Moshe in his Sefer, “Outlook and Insights on the Weekly Torah Portion” on Parshat Pinchas (pages 196 -198) :
…When Moshe requested that Hashem choose a leader to replace him, he described the leader as one “who will go out before them and who will bring them out and bring them in.” The leader was not to walk “before” the people, rather he was to remain in total contact with them. He could help bring them in and out by serving as a model to be emulated and as a guide and teacher, but the actual going in and out they would have to do for themselves.
Because Yehoshua was Moshe’s most devoted follower he was chosen to succeed him. Yehoshua made himself totally subservient to Moshe, never departing from his tent. Yehoshua faithfully reflected the light of Moshe, as the moon reflects the sun, and thereby disgraced all who did not. He showed that he understood that a leader of the Jews does not act instead of the people, but rather provides a model to follow. Because he understood this more clearly than any of his contemporaries, he was chosen to succeed Moshe.
The leader of the Jews has another critical function: uniting the people in a common cause…. The perfection of the communal nature of Klal Yisrael is only reached through united effort, one in which every Jew fulfills his unique roll. The leader serves the function of an orchestra conductor, guiding each player so that the entire orchestra plays together.
An appreciation of the necessity of communal striving necessarily preceded the appointment of a leader. Just as korbonot of individuals only have meaning in the context of the person’s striving to draw closer to Hashem, so too, the communal korbonot require the collective striving of Klal Yisrael for unity and harmony in service of Hashem.
The greatness of our leaders is commensurate with the caliber of their followers. May we be on a level to appreciate authority and to emulate our leaders in order that they be as the leaders of old, culminating with our ultimate leader, Moshiach Tzidkeinu.
Even as a nation united, each community has its own way of contributing. The daily korbon is not the same as the Shabbos korbon, which is not the same as that of Rosh Chodesh, Pesach, Shavuot, Succot or Shemini Atzeret. Each has a different korbon. These korbonot show the variety wirh the common purpose.
Rabbi Hershel Reichman reflects on Hashem’s description of Yehoshua: “a man in whom there is spirit,” in hia Sefer, “Living the Chassidic Legacy: Lessons Based on Shem Mishmuel” volume 2 (pages 603 – 604, 610) :
Hashem responds to Moshe… telling him to take Yehoshua because he is a person of spirit. What is the meaning of this emphasis on the spirit?
Rashi explains that a leader of the Jews needs the ability to deal with every individual Jew’s unique spirit, which is an enormous challenge. Leaders are in charge of masses of people. The king is in charge of the whole nation, which could be millions of people.
Dealing with a mass of people is… one challenge, but the Torah places great emphasis on the individuality of every person. One’s ideas are not another’s ideas, and we don’t agree about everything. Each person has their unique ways of thinking about things. The Torah emphasizes both aspects. A Jew is a unique individual, and he or she is part of the mass of Am Yisrael. The leader of the Jews must be able to lead both Am Yisrael and each individual Jew.
This is the goal of Melech Yisrael. He has to promote the common purpose of Kiddush Hashem by developing the variations within the individual sub-groups and individual people. This combination of tzibbur [the collective] and yachid [the individual] is the key to Kiddush Hashem and the korbonot in the Beit Hamikdash.
Rabbi Reichman concludes (ibid, page 611) :
We… pray that we will be privileged to participate in this goal of serving Hashem as a nation, together with our individual expressions and variations.
May it be that our leadership — governing, judicial and IDF high command echelons, as well as kol Am Yisrael come to achieve a faithfulness, consistency and unity — both collectively as One, and individually in our avodah — both V’Ahavtah L’Arecha Kamocha, and in our Service of Hashem, B’Ezrat Hashem
May our government and military bring about the total and complete, Final and Decisive victory over Hamas, their 7 October so-called “civilians(sic)” collaborators, Iran and the entire terror cabal, B’Yad Hashem, and become Totally self-sufficient as to manufacture of military equipment and aircraft, weaponry, munitions — heavy munitions, as well as showing independence of actions responding to any threat, regardless of so-called “super powers.”
May we see, from here on, that border guard personnel at all points of possible danger are listened to and treated with respect and dignity. May we see, with Operation Roaring Lions — the joint action by our Chayalim and the United States against the Mullahs of what has been the Islamic Caliphate dictatorship controlling Iran, that Islam and its barbarous terrorist tentacles of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, as well as Qatar, Turkey, the Houthies of Yemen, Pakistan, Iraq, Afganistan, possibly Egypt, and all who seek war against the Jews be totally eradicated, both in Israel’s neighborhood, as well as internationally, B’Ezrat Hashem. May we see a government of Israel secure in it’s foremost service of, and emunah in HaKadosh Borchu, B’Ezrat Hashem! And may we see the restoration of true unity within Am Yisrael. May these words come to fruition B’Ezrat Hashem.
May we, the B’nei Yisrael be zocha that our brethren — the refugee families from Gush Katif be permanently re-settled in Gush Katif, once the IDF, by the Yad Hashem, destructs and eradicates the wild beasts of Hamas, Islamic Jihad, Hezbollah, all other terror entities, and if necessary Iran, and that our brethren be made totally whole — be totally restituted for all that was stolen from them, that the thrice expelled families of Amona be restored to their rebuilt homes and the oft-destroyed Yeshiva buildings in Homesh be rebuilt, as well as the buildings of Yishuv Elchanan, all at total government expense. May our Chayalim return from battle unharmed — physically, mentally and spiritually. Baruch Hashem that our dear brother Jonathan Pollard is now in his sixth year at home in Eretz Yisrael and continues in a new chapter in his life. May Esther Yocheved bat Yechiel Avraham have an aliyah in Shemayim and may her spirit and memory continue to lift Jonathan to at least 120 years. May the MIAs be liberated alive and returned to us in ways befitting Al Kiddush Hashem — as with the return in April, 2019, via Russia, of the remains of Zachariah Baumel, the recent recovery of the remains of Tzvi Feldman as well as the recoveries of the remains of Oron Shaul and Hadar Goldin from the Gaza War of ten years ago. May we have the courage and strength to stand up and physically prevent the possibility of Chas V’Challila any future eviction of Jews from their homes and prevent Chas V’Challila the handing of Jewish land over to anyone, let alone to enemies sworn to Israel’s and Judaism’s destruction and eradication. May we fulfill Hashem’s blueprint of B’nei Yisrael as a Unique people — an Am Segula, not to be reckoned with as with “the nations” and may we be zocha to see the Moshiach, the Ge’ula Shlaima, as Dov Shurin sings; “Ki Karov Yom Hashem Al’Kol HaGoyim”, the Ultimate Redemption, bimhayrah b’yamainu — speedily, in our time”, — Achshav, Chik Chuk, Miyad, Etmol!!!
Good Shabbos!
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Moshe Burt, an Oleh, is a commentator on news and events in Israel and Founder and Director of The Sefer Torah Recycling Network. He lives in Ramat Beit Shemesh.
Moshe is available for editing of English language documents, articles, manuscripts and more. Please be in contact with him at olehchadash@yahoo.com for your English language needs.
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