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Beit Midrash
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- Chemdat Yamim
- Parashat Hashavua
- Torah Portion and Tanach
- Bamidbar
- Pinchas
Regarding the kehuna, we need to first see why Pinchas needed such a covenant, as he was an authentic grandson of Aharon, which ostensibly includes the status of kehuna without a special reward. According to the Chizkuni and the Abarbanel, Pinchas had served as a kohen before this episode. The point was that he feared losing his kehuna due to the fact that he had taken human lives, and so he was promised that he and his offspring would not be penalized. In contrast, the gemara (Zevachim 101b) cites two different opinions on the issue. According to Rabbi Chanina, Pinchas did not become a kohen until he killed Zimri, as he proves specifically from the need for Pinchas to be given an eternal covenant of kehuna. Rav Ashi (ibid.) says that he was not included among the kohanim until the incident several years later, in which he brought peace between the tribes (see Yehoshua 22:30). Both are working with the assumption that Pinchas did not have natural rights because when he was born to his father, his father did not have the kehuna to pass on to him and he was not old enough to receive the distinction when it was given to Aharon and his sons (Rashi, Bamidbar 25:13).
Rav Ashi’s thesis is novel, in that the Torah ascribes Pinchas the distinction at the time of our parasha, even though it did not become operative for whatever reason until years later when he brought peace. The story there was that two tribes had built an altar under suspicious circumstances, and Pinchas helped prevent the episode from escalating into civil strife or even war. The logic seems to be that despite its positive elements, Pinchas needed atonement for his responsibility for the death of a fellow member of Bnei Yisrael before he could become a kohen.
Let us move on to the covenant of peace. The Radak (Shoftim 20:28) points out that Pinchas lived more than 300 years and says that he merited such long life because of the blessing he received in our parasha. Ibn Ezra says that the blessing was that Zimri’s brethren should not exact revenge and kill Pinchas.
In any case, we see that Pinchas’ approach of zealotry cannot serve as a model of proper behavior under normal circumstances. Only due to divine intervention, which Pinchas deserved because of his extreme piety, did he remain unblemished and able to serve as a kohen. Only special treatment protected him from the wrath of Zimri’s family. In fact, according to an opinion of the gemara, despite all the positive, Pinchas still needed to wait until he performed an act of peacemaking, in the tradition of Aharon, to pave the way for his serving as a kohen.
May we be blessed to bring peace between our fellow brethren and, in the process, merit that Hashem’s presence will dwell among us.
Rabbis in Midrash
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Shlach Lecha "Why So Many Don't Make Aliya?" - Parshat Shlach
This short article deals with the weird phenomena that every single time Am Yisrael is meant to enter the Land of Israel, throughout the Tanach, 2nd Temple and until today, they "chicken out" and look for excuses. What's the problem with this mitzvah that proves so challenging. The article, based on sources, suggests that the difficulties of Eretz Yisrael is precisely her secret and beauty!
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 4
The class deals with Islam and how the Muslim tries convincing the King of the Khazars, and why he was also rejected.
Beha'alotcha JEWISH STATE= GUIDE TO G-DLINESS & SELFLESSNESS
A Jewish State not only is a good idea, but educates us towards selflessness, altruism and G-dliness in our daily lives.
Ein Aya In Zion Even the Smoke of the Bark is Sweet
Just as Jewish nationalism is different from others, so too our capitol of Jerusalem is totally different than other national capitols. Rav Kook beautifully explains the passage in the Talmud that the trees of Yerushalayim were cinnamon trees.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 3
The second speaker invited to convince the Khazar King is the Christian, who presents their beliefs. Even before the questions of the King, "between the lines", the author R. Yehuda HaLevi already begins disproving them.
Ein Aya "Intimacy: Love, Life & Giving or Egocentric Taking & Expiration"
Today, many confuse between intimacy in marriage, based on love, giving and life which are diametrically opposed to empty "sex", pornography and prostitution which destroyed the Beit HaMikdash. The practical importance of clarifying this topic in today's western society is obvious, especially for young adults.
Kuzari -Rabbi Ari Shvat Kuzari class 2
The King of the Kazars, in his search for truth, starts by inviting the philosopher. This is a "crash-course" on Aristotelian philosophy and the reasons why the king is not convinced. Through this dialogue, R. Yehuda HaLevi already foreshadows some of his central ideas that will appear later.
Shavuot "Love of Torah = Love of Israel"- for Shavuot
People often identify Judaism as just a religion, but upon examination, we see, even halachically and explicitly in the siddur, that the Torah is dependent upon Am Yisrael, Jewish nationalism.
Ein Aya The Middle-Child & Anti-Tzni'ut Syndrome- Negative Attention
Although tzni'ut is for men just like women, Rav Kook deals here with the sources in Yishayahu and the Talmud which deals with the special problem of lack of tzni'ut in women's dress and actions, where it's not just a problem of midot and character traits, but also can include practical, social and national ramifications, as well, which caused the destruction of the Beit HaMikdash and exile from Israel. The class continues the previous one (Ayn Aya Shabbat vi, 29), and is a must for all educators and parents of high-school aged and young adults.
P'ninat Mishpat P'NINAT MISHPAT: A Mess of Loans, Repayments and Grievances – part II
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts
based on ruling 83033 of the Eretz Hemdah-Gazit Rabbinical Courts