Ethical Teachings of the Torah

"He Zealously Made My [G-d's] Rights Valid" (Bamidbar 25:11) - Part 5a

“Pinchas is Eliyahu Hanavi; of the former it is written,” by zealously making My Rights valid,” and Eliyahu says, “I have been zealous” (Bava Metzia 114a). In the stories of both of them, are presented the Jewish balanced view between the legitimate place of zealotry and the demands of Ahavah and Chesed. ” The prayer “For the slanderers let there be no hope,” Birkat HaMinim, in the Amida, is so full of hate and condemnation that it is bound to arouse feelings of animosity against the traitors and internal enemies of Israel. Such a prayer must therefore originate with one who is noted for a lack of the passion of hatred. So Shmuel HaKatan was chosen by the Sages to author Birkat HaMinim. It he who taught, “rejoice not in the downfall of your enemy and let not your heart be glad when he stumbles” (Mishlei 24:17). Lest G-d see and it displeases Him (Avot 4:24) (HaRav Kook zt"l).

It is fitting therefore that the haftara of Parshat Pinchas when it is read before Shiva Asar b’Tamuz, is the revelation to Eliyahu in the Cave at Sinai (Melachim Alef 18:46-19:21).

When Eliyahu killed the prophets of Baal, Jezebel sought to kill him and he fled to Har Sinai. In that chapter the whole story parallels, yet is in contrast to, that of the revelation there to Moshe after the sin of the Eigel. Ralbag, Rashi, Abarbanel and others claim that he did not flee out of fear of Jezebel’s threat but rather because prophecy was withheld from him. When, despite the miracle at Har HaCarmel, nothing changed in the behavior of the people, Eliyahu set out to find prophecy at Har Sinai, at the place of Matan Torah, the most awesome of all revelations. He traveled there by foot for 40 days and nights without eating or drinking, sustained only by the miraculous food given to him by an angel, till he reached the Cave at Sinai. Throughout, it should be remembered that in this same Cave, the Shelosh Esrei Midot of G-d’s Mercy had been revealed in answer to Moshe’s prayers for forgiveness for Israel’s sin (Shmot 33:21-34-6).

Twice G-d appeared to Eliyahu there asking, “What are you doing here Eliyahu?” G-d was actually asking by what right did Eliyahu who had brought drought on Israel and killed the 200 prophets of Baal come for prophecy to this Cave. Here Moshe, after grinding the Eigel into dust, making Israel drink the “god” that they had made and then having those who worshiped it killed, pleaded for forgiveness for his people; something that Eliyahu had not done nor was conscious that it was required of a leader.

To be continued next week IY"H

• Other Ethical Teachings of the Torah
• Today is the Birthday of the World, whether as Children or as Servants [2] by Dr. Meir Tamari
• Funding Social Costs - Taxation [2]
• THE CHALLENGE OF MONEY - Funding Social Costs - Taxation [1]