Parsha Talk Pinchas 5785 2025

Parashat Pinchas [Numbers 25:10-30:1] is probably best known for the holiday calendar in chapters 28 and 29, from which the maftir is taken for the Yamim Noraim [the Days of Awe, Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur], for the Shalosh Regalim [the three pilgrimage festivals, Pesach, Shavuot, and Sukkot], and Rosh Chodesh [the beginning of the Hebrew month]. In addition we have the conclusion to the story of the apostasy at Baal Peor, the Second Census in chapter 26, the first rendition of the daughters of Zelophehad, who successfully appeal to Moses to inherit from their father because he had no sons, and the succession of Moses by Joshua. There is a lot to talk about!

We continue to keep in mind the hostages, dead and alive, who remain in Gaza, may the be returned to their families speedily. We also are mindful of the soldiers defending Israel as members of the Israel Defense Forces, may they be removed from harm’s way. Shabbat Shalom.