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Congregation Ahavas Sholom is a vibrant, authentic orthodox synagogue committed to providing a warm, inclusive and engaging spiritual home to all. We joyfully strive to be the main venue in central Ohio for enthusiastic Torah learning, heartfelt prayer, and deeply meaningful life cycle events, where spiritual growth, performance of mitzvot, acts of chesed, support for the state of Israel, and community engagement are highly valued.
Parshas Pinchas - Self Control
Dear Friends,
In today's world, the value of self-control is often minimized. We are quick to explain people's behavior through the lens of psychology, past trauma, social pressures, or cultural norms. While these influences are real and significant, sometimes there is a quiet assumption in the back of our minds that true self-discipline is no longer a realistic goal.
The Kesav Sofer in this week's Parsha suggests a striking counterpoint, commenting on the way the Torah introduces Pinchas, not only as the son of Elazar, but also as the grandson of Aharon HaKohen. Typically, lineage is traced only through the father. Why mention Aharon, the grandfather?
Rashi (Bamidbar 25:11) explains that some were mocking Pinchas after his courageous and zealous act, pointing out that he descended from Yitro, an idol worshipper. The Kesav Sofer explains: People assumed Pinchas's zeal came from Yitro's impulsive legacy, not Aharon's peaceful one.
To clarify this misconception, the Torah traces Pinchas to Aharon, the paradigm of peace, as described in Pirkei Avot:
"אוֹהֵב שָׁלוֹם וְרוֹדֵף שָׁלוֹם, אוֹהֵב אֶת הַבְּרִיוֹת וּמְקָרְבָן לַתּוֹרָה"
"Loving peace and pursuing peace, loving people and bringing them closer to Torah."
By emphasizing Aharon, the Torah teaches us that Pinchas acted not out of inherited aggression, but despite his peaceful and gentle nature. His greatness was in rising above his natural disposition, channeling his inner strength to bring honor to Hashem.
The Vilna Gaon makes a powerful statement in his commentary on Mishlei (4:13):
"כי מה שהאדם חי הוא כדי לשבור מה שלא שבר עד הנה אותו המדה, לכן צריך תמיד להתחזק, ואם לא התחזק, למה לו חיים."
"A person lives to break the character trait he has not yet broken. He must constantly strive to grow stronger—and if not, why live?"
We all constantly face internal battles. The Torah's message is clear: life is about confronting those struggles, rising above instinct, and pushing ourselves to develop our Middos (character traits) to become the best version of ourselves.
Have a wonderful Shabbos,
Rabbi Shlomo Gabay
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