This week’s portion is Pinchas, The eighth portion in the Chumash / Book of Numbers. This week’s reading will be the same as in Israel as we have now caught up once again following the day sequence resulting in the difference between the readings in Israel and the diaspora. We have now caught up.
G-d told Moses, “take Joshua the son of Nun, a man of spirit and lay your hand upon him”. (27:18)
Joshua was chosen as Moses’ successor by virtue of his consummate diligence in absorbing Moses’ instructions – both from the Torah that Moses taught and through Moses’ personal conduct.
The difference in their leadership was that Moses’ was largely based on miracles whereas Joshuas’ was conducted naturally. Therefore, it was specifically through Joshua’s leadership that the purpose of creation – to sanctify the natural, mundane world – was fulfilled. Nevertheless, Joshua succeeded only because he was a selfless reflection of Moses, his selflessness enabled the miraculous nature of Moses’ leadership to carry over into his own natural leadership. This, Joshua’s first conquest, the city of Jericho, occurred miraculously.
As of Thursday 2nd July, with the fast of Tammuz (17th) we enter into the three week period, a time of increasing sadness as we travel the lead up to the 9th Av (Fast) commemorating the destruction of our Temples in Jerusalem.
With our continuous prayers for an everlasting peace in Israel, the diaspora and our valiant IDF soldiers, with the coming of Moshiach.
Wishing you a meaningful Shabbat and successful week to follow.