Pinchas Essay

The remarkable character trait of Pinchas, his energy and zealotry can be easily misunderstood as extremism and negativity. Yet as opposed to Korach’s arguments, demanding a change, Pinchas was accepted and blessed.
The cause for change, arguing on the status quo brings with it an entire slew of emotions. Depending on their upbringing and emotional state, people will have opposite opinions.
This is really a constant area of friction, on one hand we demand change and improvement, yet on the other hand we respect tradition and seniority.
This world too was made in seemingly absolute perfection, yet it has so much to offer for change. Our sages teach us in Pirkei Avot that one of the things that was created in twilight on the Sixth day of creation was the mouth of the earth that swallowed Korach. The Sfas Emes teaches us that this hole represents our mission in this world. For just as the hole is missing the earth that fills it, our world is missing the spirituality from above.
When we recognise our shortcomings, and put aside our selfish desires, we then open ourselves to receive what we lack from above.
This is the difference between Korach and Piinchas, as the Mishna in Avot teaches us an argument for the sake of Heaven is lasting, whereas an argument not for the sake of Heaven does not last.
Pinchas was not focused on his own personal gain, in fact the Gemara explains how he risked being killed and worse by taking action. Yet the blessing he receives is one of Shalom – peace and completion. It is after the friction and arguing for the sake of Heaven, by withholding our personal gain, that we merit to receive the completion from above – the Shalom.