From Parasha: Pinchas

 

Who Needs Religious Fundamentalists?

Tags:  flesh, fundamentalists, ruthlessness, vigilance, violence, zeal

Religion is a two-edged sword. On the one hand, faith in God, trust in Messiah and obedience to God's commandments is the narrow path that leads to life. It brings peace, joy and purpose to existence. On the other hand, religious convictions can become a source of strife, enmity and hatred between people....
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The Man over the Congregation

Tags:  compassion, congregation, guidance, shepherd, teaching, zeal

In Numbers 25, God rewards Pinchas with a special covenant of priesthood because of his zeal in the matter of the Baal of Peor. He says, "[Pinchas] has turned away My wrath from the sons of Israel." (Numbers 25:11) In return for this service on behalf of Israel, God makes an eternal covenant of peace with him, "a covenant of a perpetual priesthood." (Numbers 25:13) This teaches us about Messiah. ...
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Moses' Uncertainty

Tags:  honesty, impartiality, integrity, judge, Moses, wisdom, Zelophehad

Seven characteristics are found in a wise man. A wise man does not offer his answer before one who is wiser than him. He does not interrupt another man who is speaking. He is not hasty to answer. His questions are pertinent to the subject under discussion. His answers are in accord with the accepted decision. When he speaks, he presents his material in an organized, linear manner. When asked a question to which he has not heard the answer, he answers honestly and says, "I do not know, I have not heard." (m.Avot 5:7)...
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The Man for the Job

Tags:  presence of God

Why did Moses pray, "God of all Spirits of all flesh" [when requesting a new leader for Israel]? Moses said to Him, "Master of the Universe! The personality of every human is revealed before you, and you know that no two are exactly alike. Appoint a leader over them that will bear with each one according to his personality." (Rashi on Numbers 27:16)...
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Shabbat: The Sabbath

Tags:  creation, sabbath, salvation, shabbat

Sabbath is a weekly time of intimacy with the Father—twenty-four hours spent focused on the things of the kingdom. The Sabbath forces us to cease from creating, producing, making and providing. It teaches us patience and dependence; it reminds us who our provider really is....
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Appointed Times

God’s holy place is called the Tent of Appointment. His holy times are called the appointed times. The reason is to teach you that the Sabbath and the holy days are like tabernacles pitched in the flow of time. When we enter the appointed times, we enter a holy temple made of time....
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