Parashat Pinhas

The Pinhas Problem

Not everyone is happy with Pinhas' action and its reward.

By Rabbi Kerry Olitzky

This commentary is provided by special arrangement with the Jewish Outreach Institute, an organization dedicated to creating a more open and welcoming Judaism. To learn more, visit www.joi.org.

 

Last week, Pinhas sent a spear through an Israelite and a Midianite woman simply because they were having a relationship. In this week's parashah, the title of which indicates the esteem in which the Rabbis held him, Pinhas' reward is described: he is placed in line for the priesthood. While I understand that documentary critics of the Torah explain the political reasons for such an action, I am still stuck with its message, even if it is edited into the text.

 

Sometimes the crux of the parashah just sticks in my gut and I can't seem to find its transcendent message. Sure any parashah has many things to say and I could easily avoid its primary lesson. And I recognize the teaching of my youth about not turning a text into a pretext for saying something else. The message of this parashah--which begin in last week's Torah portion--is worsened in this week's reading.

 

However, it seems that not everyone is happy with Pinhas' action nor his reward. Immediately thereafter a census is taken of the people, presumably once again to determine the readiness of the people for war. Are they really prepared to stand behind Moses? Were they chastened by Pinhas' actions? Were they emboldened by the act and its reward?

 

It is clear that the Torah text is implying that the census is meant to appraise the disposition of the people after such actions. The long listing of the various clans seems to be included to indicate who supported the action or who was indeed prepared to take conquest of the land.

 

But then comes the final story in this narrative--an insertion of the plight of the daughters of Zelophehad. In this oft-reported case, Zelophehad dies without sons. Thus, there is no one in the family to legally inherit his land and belongings. His daughters make a plea that they should be entitled to their father's estate. Moses brings their case before God, and God rules in favor of the five women. This decision established an important precedent in Jewish law that has been cited for generations by those who seek gender equality in Judaism.

 

It is clear to me that there is a connection between these three stories. The last one is introduced to soften our judgment against Moses and God. It is as if to say, "Well maybe they aren't so bad. After all, look how they supported the daughters of Zelephehad."

 

I realize that we can't expect to approve of all of the actions contained in an ancient saga about a group's journey to become a people. But I also realize that even if we agree that sometimes the ends can justify the means, we don't have to simply accept what is contained in the text and then act as apologists when see things with which we don't agree. 

 

There are still those among us who applaud Pinhas' actions, even if they would shy away from such a violent approach. Nonetheless, their underlying attitudes are the same. And if we are to be a people that welcomes in the stranger, as it teaches us in the same Torah that retells the story of Pinhas, then such attitudes have to change.  

 

Rabbi Kerry Olitzky is the author of many inspiring books that bring the wisdom of Jewish tradition into everyday life. He most recently co-authored 20 Things for Grandparents of Interfaith Grandchildren to Do (And Not Do) to Nurture Jewish Identity in Their Grandchildren and Jewish Holidays: A Brief Introduction for Christians.