Rabbi Israel Reider Highlights Unity's Role in Pinchas' Leadership in Weekly Torah Portion

As the Jewish community approaches the solemn period of the Three Weeks, marked by mourning the destruction of the Temple and praying for its rebuilding, Rabbi Israel Reider reflects on the weekly Torah portion focusing on Pinchas. In this portion, Pinchas takes a decisive and courageous action during a crisis when Moses and the entire Israelite community are paralyzed by widespread sin. The Torah emphasizes that Pinchas "rose from within the congregation," a phrase that Rabbi Reider explains carries a profound message: Pinchas did not act in isolation but was empowered by his connection to the community.

Rabbi Reider draws on teachings from Rabbi Chaim Walkein, who compared this concept to the sanctity of the tenth animal in a tithe, which derives its holiness from the preceding nine. Similarly, Pinchas' strength and sanctity stemmed from the collective holiness of the people of Israel. This interpretation underscores that individual power and leadership emerge from unity and communal sanctity.

In these times dedicated to rectifying division and hatred, Rabbi Reider stresses the importance of recognizing that individual strength is rooted in communal bonds. He calls for increasing love among Jews, removing hatred from hearts, and hastening the rebuilding of the Temple. This message is especially poignant during the days of mourning and reflection leading up to Tisha B'Av.