In this week's drash on Parsha Pinchas, we explore the powerful themes of moral courage and the rewards for righteous actions. Pinchas receives his reward for his zealous act of righteousness, which raises important questions about taking a stand against wrongdoing.
We delve into the commentators' views, pondering whether Pinchas would be rewarded for his actions and what this means for us today. If you ever struggle with feelings of timidity or wonder if your actions can make a difference, this Torah portion offers profound insights.
Pinchas, described by some sages as having the peace-loving nature of his grandfather Aaron, stepped out of his comfort zone to take decisive action. This teaches us that even those who prefer peace and quiet can—and sometimes must—take bold steps to uphold moral values.
We also reflect on the example set by the daughters of Zelophehad, who showed remarkable moral courage by standing up for their inheritance rights. Their story is linked to their ancestor Yosef, who loved the land of Israel deeply. Their actions were not for selfish gain but to ensure their father's name remained part of the land of Israel. This act of standing up for what was right led to a change in Torah law that benefited future generations.
So, what can we learn from these examples?
Assess Your Motivation: Ensure your motivation for taking a stand is pure and rooted in a desire to do what is right according to Torah.
Know Torah Law: Be deeply knowledgeable in Torah so that your sense of right and wrong aligns with divine law.
Believe in Your Impact: Have conviction that your actions, grounded in righteousness, will make a difference.
These principles can help us nurture our own moral courage. When we see wrongdoing, especially against the vulnerable like orphans and widows, we should be ready to act. If we don't stand up, who will?
Join us in reflecting on these powerful lessons from Parsha Pinchas and let them inspire us to cultivate moral courage in our own lives.
Shabbat Shalom!
