Zohar Summarised By Torah Portion: Pinchas (Numbers 25:10–30:1)

Summary of the Torah Portion

“Pinchas” begins with the aftermath of the events in the previous portion, where Pinchas, the grandson of Aaron, takes decisive action to stop a plague caused by the Israelites’ sin with the Moabite women and the worship of Baal Peor. The portion continues with God rewarding Pinchas, the census of the Israelites, the inheritance laws regarding daughters, Joshua’s appointment as Moses’ successor, and a detailed description of the sacrifices for the festivals.

Key Themes and Events:

God’s Covenant with Pinchas:

• After Pinchas kills the Israelite man and Midianite woman who were publicly engaging in immoral acts, God rewards him by granting him a “covenant of peace” (brit shalom) and a perpetual priesthood for his descendants. Pinchas’ zealousness for God’s honour stops a devastating plague that had already killed 24,000 Israelites.

Census of the Israelites:

• A census is taken of the Israelite men from ages 20 and up, ready for battle, as the generation that had been condemned to die in the wilderness is now almost entirely gone. This new census prepares the nation for their conquest of the Promised Land.
• The total number of men counted is 601,730, slightly fewer than the original census taken at the start of their journey in the wilderness.

The Daughters of Zelophehad and Inheritance Laws:

• The five daughters of Zelophehad, a man who died without sons, approach Moses and the leaders to request the right to inherit their father’s land. God instructs Moses that in cases where a man dies without a son, his inheritance should pass to his daughters, establishing a precedent for inheritance laws.

Appointment of Joshua as Moses’ Successor:

• God tells Moses that he will not enter the Promised Land. Moses asks God to appoint a successor to lead the people. God chooses Joshua, a man filled with the spirit of wisdom, and instructs Moses to lay his hands on Joshua, formally designating him as the next leader of Israel.

Sacrifices and Offerings:

• The portion concludes with detailed instructions on the daily offerings, as well as the additional offerings required for the Sabbath, Rosh Chodesh (New Moon), Passover, Shavuot, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, and Shemini Atzeret. These laws emphasize the cyclical nature of the festivals and the importance of regular offerings to maintain the relationship between God and Israel.

The Zohar on Pinchas

The Zohar, the central text of Kabbalistic thought, provides profound mystical insights into the actions of Pinchas, the appointment of Joshua, and the significance of the offerings. It delves into the deeper spiritual meanings of zealotry, leadership, and the cycles of divine service.

Pinchas’ Zealotry and the Covenant of Peace

The Zohar views Pinchas’ act of zealotry as a spiritual turning point for the Israelites. His decisive action, though violent, is seen as necessary to restore divine order and halt the spread of impurity. The covenant of peace given to Pinchas symbolizes the restoration of balance and harmony.

The Zohar states:

“Pinchas’ act was one of pure zealotry for the sake of the Holy One, blessed be He. He acted without selfish intent, and through his action, he removed the impurity that had spread among the people. The covenant of peace given to Pinchas reflects the restoration of divine harmony, for in his zeal, he returned the people to a state of purity, allowing the divine presence to dwell among them once again.” (Zohar III:223a)

This interpretation highlights that Pinchas’ zealotry was not driven by anger but by a desire to uphold divine justice, which led to the restoration of peace and spiritual balance.

The Spiritual Role of Joshua

The Zohar reflects on the appointment of Joshua as Moses’ successor, emphasizing the spiritual qualities that made him suitable to lead the people. Joshua is portrayed as a man of humility and wisdom, traits that allow him to guide the people with divine insight.

The Zohar explains:

“Joshua was chosen not because of his strength or military prowess, but because of his spirit of wisdom and humility. He had been Moses’ faithful servant, and through his humility, he merited the transmission of divine wisdom. This wisdom allowed him to see beyond the physical world and perceive the true will of the Holy One, blessed be He. His leadership would be one of spiritual guidance, leading the people to their true inheritance in the Promised Land.” (Zohar III:225b)

This teaching emphasizes that true leadership in the spiritual realm is based on humility and an alignment with divine wisdom, rather than earthly power or status.

The Symbolism of the Sacrifices and Offerings

The Zohar delves into the significance of the offerings described in the portion, particularly focusing on the cyclical nature of the festivals and how they correspond to the cycles of divine energy. The regularity of the offerings reflects the need to maintain a constant flow of divine blessings through continuous spiritual service.

The Zohar teaches:

“The offerings that are given daily, weekly, and on the festivals are not merely physical sacrifices but are channels through which divine blessings flow into the world. Each offering corresponds to specific divine attributes and serves to align the people with the spiritual energies of the day or festival. Through the offerings, the people maintain their connection with the divine, ensuring that the flow of blessings continues without interruption.” (Zohar III:228a)

This interpretation suggests that the sacrifices are part of a greater spiritual system, where the physical offerings serve as conduits for divine energy, maintaining the relationship between God and the Israelites.

The Daughters of Zelophehad: A Spiritual Precedent

The Zohar reflects on the significance of the daughters of Zelophehad and their request for inheritance, interpreting their actions as a model for spiritual initiative and a deeper understanding of divine justice. The daughters’ plea demonstrates their faith in the divine promise of the land and their desire to maintain their connection to it.

The Zohar states:

“The daughters of Zelophehad were not merely seeking physical inheritance but were seeking to preserve their spiritual connection to the land of Israel. Their request was based on their understanding of divine justice and their deep faith in the promise that the land was given to all of Israel, including those who had no male heirs. Their plea sets a precedent, teaching that spiritual inheritance is not confined to the physical but extends to all who seek it with faith and righteousness.” (Zohar III:230b)

This teaching underscores the daughters’ request as a model of spiritual boldness and faith, emphasizing that divine justice is accessible to all who earnestly seek it.

Kabbalistic Interpretations

Various Kabbalists have expanded on the Zohar’s teachings on “Pinchas,” offering further insights into the mystical significance of zealotry, leadership, and the offerings.

Rabbi Isaac Luria (the Arizal)

The Arizal teaches that Pinchas’ act of zealotry was a rectification for the sin of idolatry that had spread among the Israelites. Pinchas’ action was necessary to restore the spiritual purity of the people, and his reward of eternal priesthood reflects his role in reestablishing divine order.

“Pinchas’ zeal was not born of anger but was an act of Tikkun (rectification), restoring the sanctity of Israel by eliminating the impurity that had entered the camp. His priesthood is a reflection of the eternal covenant between God and Israel, a sign that through righteous action, divine harmony can be restored.” (Arizal’s teachings)

Rabbi Moshe Cordovero (Ramak)

Ramak emphasizes the importance of continuity and spiritual leadership. He teaches that Joshua’s appointment reflects the need for a seamless transmission of spiritual wisdom and leadership, ensuring that the people remain connected to divine guidance after Moses’ departure.

“Joshua’s role as Moses’ successor was not just a matter of leadership but of spiritual continuity. The transmission of wisdom from one generation to the next ensures that the people of Israel remain connected to the divine plan. Leadership is not about authority, but about serving as a vessel for divine wisdom.” (Ramak’s teachings)

Rabbi Yehuda Ashlag (Baal HaSulam)

Baal HaSulam offers a psychological interpretation, viewing the sacrifices and offerings as a means of aligning one’s inner spiritual life with the divine flow. He teaches that the regularity of the offerings serves as a reminder of the need for continuous spiritual work and introspection.

“The offerings represent the continuous process of spiritual refinement, where each day and each festival brings a new opportunity to connect with the divine. The cycles of the offerings remind us that spiritual growth is not a one-time event but a lifelong process that requires regular attention and dedication.” (Baal HaSulam’s teachings)

Conclusion

The Torah portion “Pinchas,” as explored through the Zohar and Kabbalistic teachings, offers deep insights into themes of zealotry, leadership, spiritual inheritance, and the importance of regular offerings. The portion emphasizes the need for decisive action to restore spiritual order, the importance of humble leadership, and the cyclical nature of divine service.

Key Lessons from “Pinchas”:

• Zealotry in the Service of God: Pinchas’ act of zealotry, though extreme, was driven by a pure desire to restore divine order and stop the spread of sin. His reward of a covenant of peace teaches that sometimes strong action is necessary to bring about peace and spiritual harmony.
• The Importance of Spiritual Leadership: The appointment of Joshua as Moses’ successor highlights the significance of spiritual leadership that is grounded in wisdom and humility. Leadership is not about personal power but about guiding the people with divine insight and ensuring continuity of purpose and mission. Joshua’s qualities reflect the ideal leader who is attuned to divine will and capable of leading the people into the Promised Land.
• Spiritual Inheritance and Justice: The story of the daughters of Zelophehad teaches that spiritual inheritance is available to all who seek it with faith and righteousness. Their boldness in approaching Moses symbolizes the importance of taking initiative in spiritual matters, advocating for justice, and ensuring that divine promises are fulfilled for all.
• Cyclical Nature of Divine Service: The detailed instructions on sacrifices and offerings reflect the need for continuous spiritual attention. The regularity of these rituals serves as a reminder that maintaining a connection with God requires constant dedication. Through the cyclical offerings, the people ensure that divine blessings continue to flow into their lives, highlighting the need for routine and structure in spiritual practice.
• The Balance Between Justice and Peace: Pinchas’ story also teaches the balance between justice and peace. While his act of zealotry was necessary to stop the sin and plague, God’s reward — a covenant of peace — indicates that the ultimate goal of justice is to restore peace and harmony. This balance is essential in maintaining a spiritually sound community.

Through the teachings of Kabbalists like the Arizal, Ramak, and Baal HaSulam, “Pinchas” is understood as a portion that emphasizes decisive action in times of moral decay, the need for humble and wise leadership, and the ongoing commitment to spiritual service through cycles of ritual and introspection. These lessons offer a blueprint for maintaining spiritual vitality, fostering righteous leadership, and pursuing justice tempered with peace.