At times we may be confronted by overwhelming challenges in life. We then have a choice to either become paralyzed with indecision, feeling helpless and hopeless, or take bold, decisive action and resolve our dilemma. This seems to be one of the lessons we need to learn from this week’s parsha of Pinchas.
Zimri, the prince of the tribe of Shimon, chose to defy the Jewish leadership by sinning in public. He engaged in an open act of sexual lewdness right at the entrance of the tent of assembly with his paramour, Cozbi. Moshe and the elders were indecisive. All they could do was stand by and weep. Pinchas, on the other hand, acting alone, took bold action and put an end to this brazen rebellious behavior. Hashem rewarded him for this with the ultimate peace prize.
This may not have been the only time that Moshe reacted to challenges to his authority in this manner. When Korach challenged his leadership earlier, we read that Moshe responded by falling on his face in humiliation (Bamidbar 16:4.). When the nation complains that they want to eat meat, Moshe responds to God, saying, “Why have you done this to me? Just kill me now.” (Bamidbar 11-15)
The Torah suggests that when confronted with challenges, of course we have to believe in Hashem, but we have to start by taking some action. Once we get going, Hashem will help out. We see this in the story of Nachshon ben Aminadov, who jumped into the Red Sea and then it split. When the Jewish nation complained about the bitter waters (Shemot 15-22), Moshe was instructed to throw a log into the water, which then became sweet. Hashem could have sweetened the water without help but He was teaching a lesson. Man has to first take action to help himself.
In the Megillah of Ruth we learn about Naomi. Her name means “the pleasant one.” However, after losing her husband, her sons and going hungry she returned to her homeland and insisted that everyone call her by her new name, Mara. Mara meant “the embittered one.” When she first returned the Bethlehem she was depressed, discouraged and embittered. She too was paralyzed with indecision, gloom and doom.
However, we soon read that she started playing a pivotal role in the life of her daughter-in-law, Ruth. She began giving her advice about Boaz. She played the role of the matchmaker. Things went so well that Ruth and Boaz were married. Ruth gave birth to a son, Oved, who was ultimately raised by Naomi. In fact, we are amazed to discover that Naomi was filled with milk and was able to nurse him.
What took place here? Apparently, Naomi only had a short lived “pity party.” She then went on to take decisive action to better her life and the life of her daughter-in-law. As a result, the dynasty of King David was eventually established.
Like Pinchas, when we are confronted with a challenge in life, we cannot simply sit back and weep. We need to take action. Like Naomi, we must not allow the forces of gloom and doom to overwhelm us when things take a bad turn in life. We, again, need to take action and start to turn things around. Life sometimes has a way of wearing us down and metaphorically withering our flowers. That is why the Psalmist (1:3) adjures us to be strong in our Torah way of life so that “our leaf will not wither, and in whatever we do we shall prosper.”
May Hashem bless us with strength, courage and decisiveness so that we face our challenges and come out stronger and more prosperous as a result.
By Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg
Rabbi Dr. Avi Kuperberg is a forensic, clinical psychologist in private practice. He is president of the Chai Riders Motorcycle Club of NY/NJ. He leads the Summit Avenue Shabbos Gemara shiur and minyan in Fair Lawn, NJ, and is a member of the International Rabbinical Society. He can be reached at [email protected].
