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Shabbat Parashat Pinchas| 5763

Pinchas | | 13/01/2002

Peaceful Violence?!

Not only should Divine reward be given to the righteous, but it should also be appropriate. We know that David was deprived from building the Beit Hamikdash because of the blood he shed (Divrei Hayamim I, 28:3), even though he did so in justified battles. Metal instruments may not be employed in building an altar (Shemot 20:22) because of the incongruence of the life extending and the life taking. Yet, Pinchas had a surprising reward for his extra-judicial slaying of Zimri and Kuzbi.

P’ninat Mishpat

As we have seen throughout our discussions, Jewish family law is also part of the realm of dayanut. The section of the Tur and, subsequently, the Shulchan Aruch that deals with these matters is called “Even Haezer.” The Tur explains that the second word is related to the first description of the first woman, Chava, who was called an eizer (helper) for Adam.

Moreshet Shaul

We reiterate that this is not written as p’sak halacha. We seem to have two sources that a child does not listen to a parent’s request which contradicts a mitzva. One source says that a mitzva has precedence over a parent’s request, at least if there is no one else to do the mitzva in the child’s place, because mitzvot should be the parent’s concern, as well (Kiddushin 32a). Another source brings a pasuk that one is to revere his parents but also keep Shabbat, to teach that mitzvot have precedence (Yevamot 5b).

Ask the Rabbi

Question: I am a waiter in a catering hall, and I am often unable to daven Mincha or Maariv before or after work, respectively. Should I take off from my job to go to a local minyan. I am not sure if I will get docked pay for going or if I will lose my job if I am caught or demand to go?

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