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“Take unto you Yehoshua son of Nun, a man in whom there is spirit.” (27:18)

  Rabbi Samson Raphael Hirsch Zt”l explains the meaning of “jur” (spirit) as analogous to “”jur” (wind). Just as the wind is invisible, only recognizable by its effects, so too, are the moral and spiritual agents of a human being. This active and moving force in a human being, the power of a discernment between right and wrong although invisible is reflected by its effect on the human being. Although every one possesses this invisible “spirit,” it was reflected emphatically in Yehoshua. He was a uc jur rat aht – one who possessed this spiritual quality to an eminent degree….

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“And there drew near the daughters of Tzlafchad.” (27:1)

The Yalkut Shimoni states that when a righteous individual stands up amidst a generation of wicked people and boldly strides the tide of criticism which emanates from them, he ultimately claims their reward. This is indicated from Noach who fought against the generation of the flood, and Avrohom who stood against those who built the tower of Bavel, and Lot who withstood the pressures of Sodom. So too, the daughters of Tzlafchad had the right to demand a portion in Eretz Yisroel during a very crucial period in Klal Yisorel’s history. After the spies returned with their slanderous libel against…

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“Behold I give unto him my covenant of peace. And it shall be unto him and to his children after him.” (25:12-13)

Pinchas’ zealous act averted the destruction of Klal Yisroel and restored Hashem’s Honor and Glory. His achievement exemplifies the deep devotion one should have towards Hashem, and the powerful results which even one individual who acts for the sake of Heaven can effect. Zealousness, a very noble and lofty trait, can become ignominious and reprehensible when its motives and goals are not proper and dignified, Hashem Himself attests to Pinchas’ pure intentions and rewards him everlasting and eternal reward for his actions. Pinchas’ actions, despite the possibility of their being viewed by some as an act of violence and hostility,…

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“In that he avenged My revenge among them so that I did not consume the Bnei Yisroel in My jealousy.” (25:11)

  Rashi explains, he displayed the anger which I should have displayed. The reason Pinchas desereved such a significant reward was that he performed an action which was considered reserved for Hashem. He could have easily chosen to excuse himself by stating that this was Hashem’s realm. This attitude of not looking for excuses should permeate our entire Torah observance. The Talmud states that the wicked Turnusrufus once asked Rabbi Akiva, why Hashem doesn’t support the poor. Rabbi Akiva responded that Hashem wants the merit of this mitzvah to benefit those who have taken the initiative to perform the mitzvah…

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