Pinchas

In this parsha

For zealously stopping the plague at Baal Peor by killing Zimri and Cozbi, Pinchas is granted God's covenant of peace and an eternal priesthood. A new census counts the generation that will enter the Land. The daughters of Zelophehad successfully claim their father's inheritance, prompting the laws of inheritance. Moses is shown the Land and asks for a successor; Joshua is appointed. The parsha concludes with the schedule of daily offerings and the additional musaf offerings for Shabbos, the new moon, and the festivals.

Themes

• Covenant of peace
• Zeal born of self-sacrifice
• Bris milah, seal of blessing
• Peace through holy strife
• Drawing down shefa through korbanos
• Awakening from below

Must-read teachings

1. 1Zealousness Rooted In UnityThe Midrash teaches that by right Pinchas should receive his reward, [the question being: he was already a Kohen beforehand, so what new reward was given to him?]. The Midrash asks why Pinchas needed a reward of Kehunah when he was apparent…תרל"א
2. 2Covenant of Shalom RestoredRegarding the covenant of shalom that was granted to Pinchas, and the Midrash that states there is no vessel that holds blessing other than shalom. The Sfas Emes opens his theme: Pinchas received shalom, and shalom is the only vessel capabl…תרמ"ט
3. 3Covenant Of Peace Guarded"Behold, I give to him My covenant of peace" (Bamidbar 25:12). The Sfas Emes opens with the pasuk in which Hashem grants Pinchas His covenant of peace, the verse he will unpack throughout the piece. For the sealing of the sign of the holy c…תרנ"א
4. 4Awakening Divine Zeal BelowRegarding the Midrash, where the shevatim said, "Have you seen this descendant of Putiel, etc." (questioning Pinchas's pedigree). The Midrash relates that the tribes belittled Pinchas's lineage, calling him a mere descendant of Yisro who fa…תרמ"ב
5. 5Covenant Sealed In Flesh"Behold, I give him My covenant of peace" (Bamidbar 25:12) — the Midrash teaches that peace is great, for the world is conducted through it, and "the only vessel that holds blessing is peace" (Mishnah Uktzin 3:12). The pasuk grants Pinchas …תרנ"ב
6. 6Bris Milah Holding BlessingIn the Midrash: great is the peace that was given to Pinchas, etc. — a vessel that holds blessing, as it is explained there. The Sfas Emes opens with the Midrash's teaching that the peace given to Pinchas is compared to a vessel that holds …תרנ"ג
7. 7Drawing Down Heavenly FlowRegarding the portion of the daily tamid offerings, and the teaching of Chazal: "Before you command Me concerning My children, command My children concerning Me." The Sfas Emes opens with the daily tamid offerings and a teaching of Chazal i…תרמ"ז
8. 8Receiving Light Through BittulThe continuation of the parshiyos from the daughters of Tzelophchad and the transfer of their father's inheritance to them. The piece opens by noting the sequence in the parashah: the daughters of Tzelophchad and their father's inheritance …תרס"ג