My son Zali landed in Israel a few days ago. Thank G-d there is relative calm at the moment in the Holy Land. But, it is still a country at war with terrorists.
But, he was quick to observe the distinctions between daily life in Israel and America.
In America we tend to take things for granted and mind our own business.
In Israel, you are forced to reckon with the reality on the ground. The reality is that, “We’re all in this together.” Each person knows that at any given moment, they will need to spring into action. They may not be able to depend on others. In fact, others might be depending on them.
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This week’s parsha is called Pinchas. It is named after one person who took action when others did not. According to the Talmud, Pinchas suggested that Moshe – the leader of the people – should take action against an egregious sinful act that was causing a terrible plague amongst the Children of Israel. Instead Moshe responded, “Let the one who reads the letter be the agent to carry it out.” Pinchas accepted the challenge and was duly rewarded.
Pinchas was not special merely because he had a grand idea. Nor was he exceptional because he stood up while others looked the other way. His outstanding characteristic was that he accepted that it was his singular duty. He recognized that if, by Divine Providence, he was indeed the one ‘holding the letter and reading it,’ he is the one that must spring into action.
In a 1988 farbrengen the Rebbe observed that there were many highly qualified people who could have acted instead of Pinchas. Moshe, Aharon and other leaders were present. But no-name Pinchas accepted that it was his duty to act. And that’s why he went down in history with such noble repute.
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We are in middle of the Three Weeks, a period of national mourning over the loss of the Holy Temples. At a time of national calamity we must engage in introspection. We need to think about the root cause of our exile and suffering.
Our Sages teach us that the Beit Hamikdash was destroyed due to wanton hatred amongst the Jewish people. The remedy for our exile is unconditional love for one another.
This is not something we – collectively – need to do. Rather, it’s something that I – individually – need to do.
This is the lesson from Pinchas. Pinchas is a hero – and has a parsha named after him – to remind us that we are all potential heroes. It’s a personal message. One ignores its exclusivity at one’s one peril.
It’s easy to look around and determine who is better qualified than I am. Certainly, I could develop a long list of better suited parents, employees, neighbors, friends and Jews. But G-d chose me to do my mission. If He sends something my way, it is His personal reminder that it’s time for me to act.
In this merit, may the hostages be released, peace be upon the land, and the Holy Temple be rebuilt immediately!