The English word “righteous” carries with it both positive and negative connotations. According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary it can mean “acting in accordance with moral law,” i.e., being a good citizen. And it can mean “arising from an outraged sense of justice,” as in “self-righteous.” Hebrew, on the other hand, puts “righteousness” as its highest ideal. To be righteous is to be a Tzadik.
Pinchas, the namesake of this week’s Torah portion, is not at all what we would typically call a Tzadik. At the end of last week’s Torah portion, he impales a Midianite woman and Israelite man for disobeying communal norms. It is one of the most gruesome episodes in all of Torah and one we would never condone today. Surprisingly, in this week’s portion he is rewarded for his actions with what is called a “Covenant of Peace.” Look closely at the Hebrew word for peace, Shalom, and you will notice a slight break in the letter “vav.” While no one knows the reason for this textural error, it creates the haunting image of a broken peace. Pinchas was certainly acting out of righteousness, but we would never call him a Tzadik. Through his actions he has created a broken peace.
Today, we would have another term for Pinchas, extremism. Extremism damages the fabric of society. What we need instead is Chesed, loving kindness, a word that in any language is always for the good.
Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Alex
Last Updated on 07/21/2022 by wpadm