One of our tutors shared some poignant and timely real Torah thoughts just after yesterday’s real TorahTutors session:
In the book of Yehoshua, the character of Pinchas ben Elazar (known for his violent zealotry in Bamidbar 25) re-emerges onto the scene in the role of a mediator, and successfully averts a civil war amongst different tribes of Israel. We couldn’t help but notice the beautiful full circle, as Yehoshua shows us the fulfillment of Hashem’s promise to Pinchas: “Behold, I am giving you My covenant [of] peace” (Bamidbar 25:12).
He who was engaged in spilling blood for the sake of Heaven merits to be the one to bring peace amongst brothers.
One of the many difficulties in this time is seeing our beautiful, kind, and sensitive people pick up guns and engage in the terrible work of warfare. Seeing people who strive to lead lives of goodness being forced to take up arms and end lives is such a challenge. We cling to this hope that just like Pinchas, who fought only for the best of reasons, our soldiers will emerge whole not only in their bodies but also in their souls, and they should all merit leading lives of bringing peace to the world.
