Chassidut on the Torah

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The week of Parshas Pinchus, 5761 Overview Parshas Pinchus (Numbers 25:10-30:1) opens with Pinchus receiving priesthood as reward for his zealous act (see end of Balak) of killing a tribal prince in the midst of an immoral act. The parsha continues with the census of all the tribes followed by instructions for dividing the Land of Israel according to families. **The five daughters of Tzelofchad came to Moshe saying that their father died leaving no male heir to inherit his portion of land. G-d commands that these women be given their father's portion and also what should happen in all future cases where a direct heir is not available. Before his death, G-d tells Moshe to view Israel from Mt. Avarim, as he will not enter it; instead, Yehoshua, his main pupil and attendant, is publicly commissioned as future leader of the Jews. The parsha concludes listing details concerning daily, Shabbat, New Month, and holiday offerings. Insights According to Judaism, women are not meant to blend into the woodwork, never to be seen or heard from. We see that in specific cases Torah tells of righteous and modest women, whose spiritual determination had monumental ramifications. This week's Torah Portion tells of the daughters of Tzelofchad who made a revolutionary request to inherit their father's land. See ** above. These women did not want to miss the opportunity of inheriting the Holy Land. G-d granted their request, and Rashi adds that "Happy is one who the Almighty accedes to their claim". The Rebbe makes the point clear. Not only is G-d's answer exciting. The womens' demand itself demonstrates a superior aspect of women over men, particularly in their love of Israel. This great love was previously demonstrated in the episode of the spies (ch.13-14). As opposed to the men, the women made their position clear: they did not heed the evil report and wanted to enter the Holy Land. Medrash Rabah quotes them as saying that the Holy Land is very good (21/10)! They did not waver in their love of the Land or of G-d. Yes, we can find some justification in the men's position. They wanted to remain in the desert, their lives filled with the spiritual effort of Torah study only. They were afraid their high level would be compromised by the physical demands of the Land. The women did not pay attention to these excuses. Their only desire was to do G-d's will, to enter Israel. This special quality is presented in the words the Torah uses. The women (Tzelofchad's daughters) say, 'Give us a portion!' as opposed to the men's, 'Let us go back to Egypt' (Bamidbar 14). Because of their holy intent, the daughters had a special merit. This law was not simply stated by Moshe as usual; instead the detailed story is told about how through these special women, the ruling was revealed by G-d. What is the bottom line? Do not underestimate the power of women. When they reveal the truth of their Divine souls and do not let the world compromise their spiritual intuition, what they can accomplish is great and forever. To the extent that G-d accepts their claim! To what can we compare this? To the righteous tzadikim about whom it is said, 'A tzaddik decrees and the Holy One Blessed be He fulfills (it)' (Tanchuma Vayeira 19). How can women today reach the level of the daughters of Tzelofchad? By strengthening their knowledge and fulfillment of the commandments-especially those mitzvahs that women primarily dominate, like kashrut, family purity, Shabbat candles, and more. Just as the Torah describes the perseverance of the women to express their love of Israel, a similar situation is manifested today through a woman's commitment to fulfilling the commandments connected to her, and influencing others to do likewise. And through women's keeping of these commandments, they will be at the forefront of bringing the final and complete redemption, now. Shabbat Shalom, Shaul When the tzaddik Yaacov Yitzchok of Polnoye returned from his first visit to the Baal Shem Tov, he gathered his students to share the secrets he had learned. His Rebbitzin also gathered together her students and revealed to them what she had learned from the wife of the Baal Shem Tov: how to intend the intentions of the High Priest on the incense offering, while making the kugel for Shabbos.

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