This week's portion begins with the story of Pinchas, who stopped a plague and appeased God's anger by killing an Israelite prince and a Midianite woman who had been fornicating openly in public, causing despair to the people.
There is a lesson here about sexual morality -- which is bad in private, but far worse, and socially destructive, if carried out in public, in defiance of norms and leaders who are trying to point people in the right direction.
Pinchas and his descendants are rewarded by being able to join the priesthood. The portion goes on to describe the descendants within the tribes, and the special sacrifices offered by the Jewish people on each holiday in the calendar.
There is a special story about the daughters of Zelaphchad, who study the law and use reasoned argument to defend their right to inherit land in Israel. Moses, to his credit, listens to them and incorporates their circumstances into the law.
https://www.chabad.org/parshah/torahreading_cdo/aid/2495776/jewish/Pinchas-Torah-Reading.htm
Today's episode is devoted to the second anniversary of the October 7 terror attacks. It was produced before the announcement of a ceasefire deal, yet remains current & relevant.
Please listen, and #bringthemhome.
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This week's portion is a beautiful poem, containing the Covenant between God and the people of Israel. But given the breaking news that Hamas may actually have agreed to release all of the Israeli hostages, I will devote my remarks to that.
One hopes it is true; if so, it makes this week's additional reading, from II Samuel 22, even more relevant: David's song of praise to the Lord for delivering him from the hand of his enemies.
"18 He rescued me from my powerful enemy,
from my foes, who were too strong for me.
19 They confronted me in the day of my disaster,
but the Lord was my support."
So much to focus on this week -- and much breaking news. A peace deal in the Middle East, perhaps? Eric Adams dropping out of the mayor's race? And a looming shutdown as Democrats push their demands beyond absurdity.
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