Parsha
Date: 18 Tamuz 5785/14.7.25
Parsha: Pinchas: Numbers 25:10 - 26:4
🌟 Parshat Pinchas: A Story of Courage and Counting
📖 What Happens in This Parsha?
This part of the Torah begins with Hashem (God) speaking to Moshe (Moses) about Pinchas, the grandson of Aharon the Kohen. Pinchas did something very brave: he stopped a terrible thing that was happening in the camp. Some people were not listening to Hashem and were doing things that were wrong. Pinchas stood up for what was right, even though it was hard and scary.
Because of his courage, Hashem gave Pinchas a special reward called a "Brit Shalom"—a covenant of peace. This means Hashem promised Pinchas peace and that his family would be Kohanim (priests) forever.
After that, Hashem told Moshe to count all the people of Bnei Yisrael (the Children of Israel). This was a new counting, because many years had passed since the last one, and some people had died or been born. The counting helped prepare the people to enter the Land of Israel.
💡 Key Messages
- Standing Up for What’s Right
Pinchas didn’t just watch when something bad was happening—he took action. Even when it’s hard, we should try to do the right thing. - Peace Is a Great Reward
Hashem gave Pinchas peace as a reward. This shows us that peace is very important and something we should all try to bring into the world. - Everyone Counts
The counting of Bnei Yisrael reminds us that every person matters. Hashem cares about each and every one of us.
🧠 Takeaway Lessons for Life
- Be Brave Like Pinchas: If you see something wrong, speak up kindly and try to help fix it.
- Make Peace: Try to be a peacemaker with your friends, family, and classmates.
- Know You’re Important: Just like Hashem counted every person, you are special and have a place in the world.
Thought of Rabbi Sacks
🧒 What Rabbi Sacks Teaches About Parshat Pinchas (For Kids)
🛡️ Pinchas the Brave
Rabbi Sacks explains that Pinchas was a hero because he stood up for what was right, even when it was really hard. He didn’t just follow the crowd—he followed Hashem. Rabbi Sacks says that sometimes, being a leader means doing something that not everyone agrees with, but that you know is the right thing.
🕊️ The Gift of Peace
Hashem gave Pinchas a "Brit Shalom"—a covenant of peace. Rabbi Sacks teaches that peace is one of the greatest gifts we can have. Even though Pinchas acted strongly, his reward was peace, showing that Hashem wants us to live in harmony.
👨👧👦 Everyone Matters
Later in the parsha, Bnei Yisrael are counted again. Rabbi Sacks says this teaches us that every person counts. Hashem knows each of us by name and cares about us. You are never just a number—you are special.
👩👧 The Daughters of Tzelofchad
Rabbi Sacks also talks about the five brave sisters who asked Moshe if they could inherit land like sons. Hashem said yes! This shows that asking good questions and standing up for fairness is important in Judaism.
🌟 Takeaway Lessons from Rabbi Sacks
- Be Brave – Like Pinchas, stand up for what’s right, even if it’s hard.
- Make Peace – Try to bring peace to your home, school, and friends.
- You Matter – Hashem knows you and loves you. You are important.
- Ask Questions – Like the daughters of Tzelofchad, don’t be afraid to speak up kindly and ask for what’s fair.
Around the Shabbat Table
🟦 1. Why did Hashem reward Pinchas with a "Brit Shalom" (a covenant of peace)?
Answer:
Pinchas acted bravely to stop something very wrong that was happening among Bnei Yisrael. Even though his action was strong, Hashem saw that he did it for the right reasons—to protect the people and honor Hashem. So Hashem gave him peace as a reward, showing that true bravery should lead to peace, not more fighting.
Discussion Tip:
Ask: Can you think of a time when someone did something brave to help others?
🟨 2. What does the counting of Bnei Yisrael teach us about how Hashem sees people?
Answer:
Hashem asked Moshe to count the people again to show that every person matters. Just like we count things that are important to us, Hashem counts us because we are all special and loved.
Discussion Tip:
Ask: How do you feel knowing that Hashem knows and cares about you personally?
🟩 3. What can we learn from the daughters of Tzelofchad, who asked for their share of land?
Answer:
They were brave and respectful. They believed in fairness and weren’t afraid to speak up. Hashem agreed with them, showing that asking good questions and standing up for what’s right is part of being a good Jew.
Discussion Tip:
Ask: Why is it important to ask questions and speak up kindly when something feels unfair?
Parsha summary adapted from Chabad.org and Rabbi Sacks Legacy
The weekly mitzvot are adapted from the PAJES Primary Parashat Hashavua Curriculum, and form the basis of the school's PSHE curriculum for all pupils alongside the Torah, Well Being and Me curriculum.