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Volume 2, Issue 2

Parshas Pinchas

PARSHA INSIGHTS

"Pinchas, son of Elazar, son of Ahron the Kohen, turned back My wrath from upon Bnei Yisroel, when he zealously avenged Me among them, so I did not consume Bnei Yisroel in My vengeance. Therefore, say: 'Behold! I give him My covenant of peace" (Pinchas 25, 11-12).

Rabbi Chaim Soloveitchik of Brisk zt"l asks, why did Hashem reward Pinchas with a "covenant of peace' for his actions, rather than with a "covenant of zealousness"? Following a war, observes Rabbi Soloveitchik, a hero receives an award which reflects the heroic deed that he performed. Therefore, Pinchas should have received a "covenant of zealousness", since the action which he was being cited for was his zealousness.

Chazal state that Hashem rewards "measure for measure" (Shabbos 105b). Therefore, Rabbi Soloveitchik asks, why did Hashem reward Pinchas with peace, which is the antithesis of zealousness?

Rabbi Soloveitchik points to the above-cited verse for the answer. Since Pinchas' actions lead Hashem to turn "His wrath from upon Bnei Yisroel", and He "did not consume Bnei Yisroel", in reality Pinchas performed an act which resulted in peace for Bnei Yisroel. The fact that Hashem did not consume Bnei Yisroel allowed them to exist in peace, unharmed by Hashem's wrath. As a result of Pinchas' action, peace reigned in the camp of Bnei Yisroel, and therefore, Hashem "gave him My covenant of peace." Pinchas was indeed rewarded measure for measure -- "peace for peace".

This idea is supported by Malachi (2, 5-6) who prophesizes concerning Pinchas, "My covenant was with him, life and peace…..he walked with Me in peace and with fairness, and turned away many from sin." This means that because "he (Pinchas) walked with Me in peace and with fairness," Pinchas merited a "covenant of peace."

Rabbi Soloveitchik's principle, in short, is as follows. Midah keneged midah (measure for measure) does not mean that the reward must match the act; the reward can sometimes match the result of an act, as well.


"…because (Pinchas) was zealous on behalf of his G-d…" (Pinchas 25, 13).

Why does the verse state that Pinchas was zealous on behalf of his G-d? Did Pinchas have a personal G-d?

Rabbi Menachem Asch zt"l (Chomas Aish) answers the above question by providing an insight into the nature of sinners. Many a time sinners justify their conduct by pointing to others and saying; "That person acted in the same manner as I did."

The proclivity for people to compare their behavior to the actions of others caused Hashem to address Bnei Yisroel in second person singular - you -- when He delivered the Aseres Ha'Dibros (Ten Commandments). By addressing Bnei Yisroel in this manner, Hashem wanted every Jew to understand that the Torah was given to him personally and therefore, the improper actions of others are not a legitimate excuse for his behavior.

When Pinchas saw Zimri acting immorally, Rabbi Asch explains, he could have observed Moshe, Ahron and the elders of Bnei Yisroel's non-reaction and passive attitude and said, "If they are not taking any action to stop this conduct, why should I be more zealous than they are?" However, Pinchas did not wait to see how the others responded -- he acted on his own, with the purpose of upholding the honor of Hashem.

This is the meaning of the Torah's statement "because he was zealous on behalf of his G-d." Pinchas acted as if Hashem was his alone and that it was his duty to defend His honor, despite the fact that no one else stood up for Hashem's respect.

TABLE TALK

THE DILEMMA
(What is permitted to do in this situation?)

Boruch goes to the hospital for outpatient surgery. During recovery a nurse offered him a couple of packages of crackers, since she knew that Boruch would not be discharged for a while and had been fasting all day.

The nurse brought him six packages of graham crackers. After eating two packages, Boruch gave some crackers to his wife who had accompanied him to the hospital.

Is it permissible for Boruch to give some of the crackers to his wife, since she is not the patient?

Is it permissible for Boruch to bring any leftover packages of crackers home for his children?

(Consult your Rav for a proper halachic ruling)

WHO AM I?
(Guess who I am from the following clues)

1. I did not dispute the authority of Hashem or Moshe.
2. My death caused clarification.
3. I was not a very good postman.
4. My family was all the same.

(Please send us your answer by e-mail to gkrainess@adelphia.net. The answer will appear in next week's issue)

Last week's clues and answer: Contrary to my description I do not contain words; I am better than ivory; I am physical but purely spiritual; I am the opposite of well-done - Para Aduma (Red Cow)

Congratulations to Rabbi Avrohom Adler, Chezky Milstein, Mr. Michael Post and Moshe Rom

HOW "VERSE"ATILE ARE YOU?
(1. Find the verse that does not belong 2. Identify its source 3. Identify the story that contains the remaining three verses)

A. "Who can possibly stand before Hashem, this Holy G-d? To whom among us can the (Ark) ascend?"
B. "They chopped the boards of the wagon, and offered up the cows as an elevation-offering to Hashem."
C. "The people mourned because Hashem had smitten the people with a great blow."
D. "Everyone who approaches closer to the Tabernacle of Hashem will die. Will we ever stop perishing?"

(Please send your answer to gkrainess@adelphia.net. The answer will appear in next week's issue)

Last week's verses and answer: A. "Let her keep them lest we become a laughingstock.."; B. "Though you have acted in secrecy, I shall perform this deed in the presence of all Israel and before the sun"; C. "She is right, it is from me"; D. "Come if you please, let me consort with you" Answer: B - Shmuel II 12, 12 (The incident of Dovid Ha'Melech and Bas Sheva). A,C.D - Vayeishev 38 (the incident of Yehuda and Tamar).

Sorry, no congratulations.

TORAH RIDDLE

What is the technical term for a healthy uncircumcised Jewish child who is more than eight days old?

(Please send us your answer by e-mail to gkrainess@adelphia.net. The answer will appear in next week's issue)

Last week's riddle and answer: What brocha is only recited on a Wednesday? Birchas Hachama (This brocha is only recited once in twenty eight years)

Congratulations to Rabbi Avrohom Adler, Dr. Michael Eleff and Mr. Michael Post.

THE KOLLEL FAMILY

MAZEL TOV

Mr. Steve Baker on his engagement to Ms. Beth Rosen

Mr. And Mrs. Morry Glicksman on the birth of a granddaughter.

Mr. And Mrs. Shmuel Neuman on the birth of a girl.
Mr. And Mrs. Lazar Neuman on the birth of a great-granddaughter

Mr. Yoni Solomon on his marriage to Ms. Raizel Kiner
Mr. And Mrs. Marcel Solomon on the marriage of their son

WELCOME

Dr. and Mrs. Eric Haas

Mr. and Mrs. Noach Lipins

COMMUNITY BULLETIN BOARD

The "Bain Hazmanim Program" at the Cedar-Green Community Kollel for elementary, high school and bais medrash boys is in full session. Shachris commences at 8:45 on Sundays and 8:30 on weekdays, followed by a light breakfast and a seder for learning. Many boys participate in the evening seder as well. Everyone is encouraged to attend.

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(Please inform us if you wish to have a happy or solemn occasion or a community or personal event posted on the Community Bulletin Board - Thank you.)

To sponsor an issue of Oneg Shabbos, please contact Leib Chaim Krainess, Director of Kollel Development at (216) 559-0638 or gkrainess@adelphia.net.
To receive Oneg Shabbos by e-mail, please provide us with your e-mail address by contacting us at (216) 559-0638 or gkrainess@adelphia.net

SPONSORED BY
MR. AND MRS. MORTON KAUFMAN
IN HONOR OF
THE BIRTH OF THEIR GRANDSON, SHIMSHON BER

 

CEDAR-GREEN COMMUNITY KOLLEL:
2573 LARCHMONT ROAD, BEACHWOOD, OHIO 44122
216-360-9153 / 216-559-0638


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