Parshas Pinchas: Zealotry is like shopping at Saks Fifth Avenue

Show Notes
Transcript

How far would you go to stand up for your beliefs? In this episode, we uncover the incredible story of Pinchas, a figure whose passionate stand against sin earned him divine recognition and intense scrutiny and ridicule. We dive into the unique legal and moral foundations that justified his bold actions and explore the immense courage it took for him to act so decisively. Pinchas's story isn't just about ancient zealotry; it's a powerful reminder of the complexities involved in doing what's right, especially when it's unpopular.

Join us as we unpack the compelling lessons from Parshas Balak and Pinchas, highlighting the necessity of courage and unwavering faith. We discuss the teachings of the Altar of Kelm, which emphasizes that true devotion to God involves a deep hatred for evil and the strength to oppose it. Although we strongly discourage literal acts of violence, we encourage you to channel Pinchas's spirit by passionately defending your principles and serving God with all your heart. This episode will inspire you to live with gevura and dedication, even in a world that often challenges your values.

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Transcript

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zealotry is kind of like shopping in Saks Fifth Avenue, because if you have to ask the price, well then you can't afford it and it's not for you.

00:00:11.349 --> 00:00:26.541
Pinchas was rewarded with the covenant of peace, wholesomeness, goodness, as a reward for his acting on his own whims, acting unilaterally, charging forward with a spear.

00:00:26.541 --> 00:00:40.231
For his acting on his own whims, acting unilaterally, charging forward with a spear in his hand and killing the outright rebellious sinners Cosby and Zimri, who were sinning in public.

00:00:40.231 --> 00:01:03.229
The halacha tells us that Pinchas wasn't just acting spontaneously, but there was a legal basis for this, for in certain horrible events a person can mete out punishment and he doesn't have to wait for proper jurisprudence.

00:01:03.229 --> 00:01:16.379
But the act so incredible, so strong, pinchas, showing so much gvura that maybe the commentators suggest that because of this he ended up becoming El Yoanavi and never dying.

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Because of this great act of avenging God's vengeance, and even after his great act, which needed miracles from God to enable it, you'd think that it would be enough that people would finally back Pinchas, but just like anybody who's ever done something good in politics, people immediately still begin to push back and say what have you done for me?

00:01:44.266 --> 00:02:04.891
Lately, rashi tells us that the tribes were still snickering after Penchas acted spontaneously, saying, yeah, your great grandfather used to do Avodah Zarah, he used to hang out with Buddha or have unfiltered internet, still making fun of him, still not backing him.

00:02:05.861 --> 00:02:22.627
And the Altar of Kalm points out the most basic takeaway that one should have from Parshas, balak and Pinchas that the Gevurah, the strength needed to step forward and do what's right, sometimes is so immense.

00:02:22.627 --> 00:02:30.812
But a person can judge himself based on how much he hates evil.

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He hates when somebody goes against God's will and he's willing to act on it.

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That shows that, oavei Hashem, when you really love God, sinu Ra, you hate evil.

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That is the takeaway that a person should be penchas-like, like a zealot.

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He should show strength and gvura, because if not for penchas acting as brazen as he did and as strong and as courageous as he did, who knows, maybe there wouldn't be a Klal Yisrael, because the plague was just wiping us out and before 24,000 of us passed away Until finally, things were saved.

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The takeaway should be to act with gvura, in your Yiddishkeit, to hate evil, even in a generation that is totally accepting of all different behaviors.

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As Jews, we believe in right and wrong, and it probably is not in your best interest to go around stabbing people.

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In fact, most definitely you should not do that.

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But you should act with strength for what you know is right, at least in your own life, and serve Hashem with passion, serve Hashem with your entire heart and epitomize gevura, real true courage and strength, in your avaytas Hashem, just like Penhas did.

00:03:56.600 --> 00:04:08.629
Thank you,

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