Numbers
25:10 - 30:1
To be honest, I always feel an almost physical revulsion when I turn to this week’s parasha, Pinchas. At the end of last week’s reading, we learned that Pinchas, an Israelite priest, takes “justice” into his own hands to quell the immoral behavior of his fellow tribesmen. When one of the Israelite leaders flagrantly disobeys God and indulges publicly in sexual relations with a foreign woman, Pinchas appoints himself witness, judge, jury and executioner to mete out the death sentence to the couple. In the aftermath of that violent act, in this week’s portion God says, “Pinchas is the only one who zealously took up My cause among the Israelites and turned my anger away from them, so that I did not consume the children of Israel in my jealousy. Therefore tell him that I have given him My covenant of peace.” (Num. 25:11-12) God also tells Pinchas that he and his descendants have earned the eternal pact of the priesthood; they will now and forever be in charge of the sacrificial system.
Does God really want to reward a zealot who ignores the statutes and ordinances of Mosaic law that require due process? What is this “covenant of peace?” Some Talmudic sages also looked askance at Pinchas’ behavior; they excoriate him for skipping the crucial step of a trial for the Israelite and his lover. In a trial, they contend, all sides of the story can be told. What looks on the surface to be cut and dried, black and white, gets filled in with nuance and color and contrary opinions. In fact, a law in the Talmud (Sanhedrin) states that if all 23 judges in a murder trial declare the defendant guilty, he must go free! Why? They reason that if not even one judge holds a minority opinion, then it must not have been a fair trial!
This astounding ruling emphasizes Judaism’s unwavering commitment to hearing not only both sides, but every side of an issue. Pinchas does not listen to any side; he acts even before he thinks. By contrast, the Talmudic dialogues record debates on issues carried out over centuries, with every argument, view, opinion and dissent carefully preserved because it too represents “a discussion “l’shem shamayim,” “for the sake of Heaven (God).” Even when we hold strong opinions, especially when we hold strong opinions, we must respectfully listen to our opponents, seriously consider their statements, and act judiciously and with due process to achieve our goals.
Is Pinchas really rewarded? Not Pinchas, but Joshua, is designated in this parasha as Moses’ successor. And perhaps the “covenant of peace” declaration is not so much a badge of honor, but rather God’s way of pushing Pinchas toward learning the behaviors that can bring about peace: negotiation, dialogue, compromise and consensus.
Let us pray, this week and every week, that all the leaders of this world work toward the establishment of a covenant of peace and turn their backs on zealotry and violence. Ken Yehi Ratzon - may this be God’s will and ours.
Shabbat Shalom!
Rabbi Judy Shanks
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