Pinchas: Taking a Moral Stand
Moral Courage
Pinchas was a great man and, in our Parsha, was the man of the hour. His fellow Jews sunk to a moral low and their leaders were forced to choose between tolerance and moral vigilance.
Our sages teach that Moses vacillated, for a moment he was unsure of himself. Pinchas, a trusted and loyal student, never hesitated. He saw the need of the hour and responded.
The Torah describes him in loving and endearing terms. Pinchas was a zealot. His venerated teacher Moses, complimented him, the Almighty Himself commended him, for his courageous moral stand. In fact, the Torah testifies that the unequivocal quality of his morality saved the entire nation.
In today’s world there is a great deal of moral degeneration. We each have a friend, neighbor or relative with questionable moral values.
Every so often we are forced to choose between moral tolerance and vigilance. Every so often we are called upon to take a stand.
Remember that Pinchas took a stand and in doing so, made a difference.
Above all we must have the courage to take a stand.
Tags: ethics, morals
