Pinchas
Numbers 25:10-30-1
I Kings 18:46-19:21
The Jewish calendar is set up so that the Torah portions reflect the seasons in which we find ourselves.
We usually read this week’s portion around the period known as “The Three Weeks.” The first day of “The Three Weeks” is the 17th of Tamuz, the Fast of Tamuz (falling this year on July 20), on which we mourn the events leading up to the destruction of both Temples.
The period concludes with Tisha B’Av, which falls this year on Aug. 10. This is the day on which, according to Jewish tradition, both Temples were destroyed, approximately 500 years apart.
This week’s portion celebrates the life of the hero Pinchas, for whom the portion is named. The Torah relates that he saved the Jewish people from a plague.
His fervor and zealousness is said to have saved the Jewish people from not only a physical disaster, but a spiritual one as well.
According to Jewish tradition (see Rashi’s commentary on Talmud Tractate Baba Mezia 114b), Pinchas morphs into Elijah the prophet, who visits our homes every Passover, witnesses every bris, and will tell us the good news that the long-awaited Moshiach (Messiah) is on his way. Elijah is featured in the haftarah that goes with this week’s portion.
Pinchas and Elijah help us through “The Three Weeks” with hope and promise for a future that will heal the pain and suffering of the past.
Pinchas inspires us with fervor and enthusiasm to ensure the survival of our people materially and spiritually, teaching that we also should do whatever we can for the material and spiritual welfare of our people.
Elijah reminds us that regardless of our level of commitment and scholarship, we bind ourselves to G-d with an eternal covenant and celebrate our exodus from slavery at the Passover seder.
Elijah testifies to the deep affiliation that exists among all our people, and hopefully that will transform “The Three Weeks” into days of joy and celebration, welcoming Moshiach speedily in our day.
Rabbi Yoseph Samuels is director of Chabad of Downtown.
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