Two Minute Torah Podcast

Pinhas 5769 by Rabbi Charles Savenor

This week's Torah portion opens as Pinchas saves the day when Moses is posed with a question he can't seem to answer. The Midrash tells us that Cozbi, the Israelite nasi, tribal leader, challenges Moses and asks why can't he have relations with a Midianite woman, when Moses himself is married to one?

As Moses contemplates the proper response, Cozbi and Zimri, the Midianite chief priestess, begin to engage in an improper public display of affection. Just then, Pinchas receives a prophecy that this action is not allowed, and he immediately takes matters into his own hands and impales Cozbi and Zimri on the spot.

Jewish tradition applauds Pinchas' clarity and swift action in this difficult situation. In light of the praise showered upon Pinchas, we might expect that he would become the next leader of Israel. Yet at the end of the parashah, we learn that Joshua will receive the mantle of leadership.

We may ask why not Pinchas?

One clue comes directly from the reward Pinchas receives for his actions. The parashah relates that God grants him a "brit shalom," a covenant of peace. Some commentators understand this covenant as a gentle rebuke a more peaceful approach would have worked just as well in this troubling situation.

The Talmud in Tractate Ta'anit also sheds light on our question. The text reads: "Rabina asserts that despite the toughness we expect from our leaders, a leader should train him/herself to be gentle." While our tradition applauds Pinchas' swift action, our sages acknowledge a gentle approach can frequently be as effective as flexing one's muscle.

As we imagine the Jewish future then and now, the Torah guides us about how to choose our leaders. At our most critical moments, we need a thoughtful responder who knows when to act and, equally important, when to use the tools of gentle diplomacy.