The Portion of Pinchas (Numbers 25:10-30:1)
Our portion picks up where last week’s left off, in the aftermath of a plague. Phineas is blessed by God for his actions, and a new census of the people is taken. The brotherless daughters of Zelophehad appeal to Moses for a share in the land of Israel, and God...
What Is the Most Important Verse in the Torah?
My children are growing up. Long gone are the hectic mornings of breakfast cereal and desperately packing school lunches. My older son, now grown and living on his own, has inherited the habit of drinking a big cup of coffee (or two) before tackling his day. Though he...
What Can We Learn About Love of the Land from the Daughters of Zelophehad?
I was walking past a bulletin board and saw the strangest notice: “I lost it. I don’t know what it is or where it is. I’ve never actually seen it. Some people say that it doesn’t belong to me but I really love it. Whatever it is.” This sounds strange but we do it all...
Will Heroism Earn You a Promotion?
It has happened to most of us; we do a great job, going above and beyond all expectations. Even more than that, we stand up when no one else was willing to. Our boss compliments us and gives us a certificate of appreciation. But the next week, when a new position in...
