out on the news, a Jewish man from Brooklyn, New York molested and
butchered a young, nine year old Chassidic boy from Borough Park,
Brooklyn.
During the two days that the boy was reported missing, thousands and
thousands of Jews from around Brooklyn and beyond came together to
organize search parties, trying to find the missing youth. Also
tragic, it was so beautiful to see the unity that exploded within the
Jewish world.
When they finally found the dismembered body early Wednesday morning,
the pain, tears and mourning was shared by all.
Pinchas, the hero of this week's Torah portion teaches us how to
remove evil from our midst.
"Pinchas... turned My anger away from the children of Israel by his
zealously avenging Me among them" (Numbers, 25:11).
Why the extra word at the end Bitocham - "among them"? Isn't it
unnecessary and extra? Our Torah is usually precise and accurate!?
Rabbi Pinchas of Koritz gave a brilliant answer; While the Torah is
telling us what Pinchas did, it is also relaying to us the precise
method by which Pinchas effected his behavior.
When one detects evil and wishes to subdue it, s/he must identify it
and quickly remove the evil. However, one must take special care to
ensure that the removal does not cause division, separation or strife.
"Among them"... This tells us that while Pinchas killed the sinner
from among the Jewish people, he ensured that the Jewish people
themselves remained unified and one.
So many times, when tragedy strikes, when controversial environments
are introduced into a community, things tend to break apart. In the
name of 'staying away from politics and fights' someone may break away
and create their own separate community. Yet, the behavior of Pinchas
teaches us that division is not a solution to peace.
A community must remain together and at peace with each other. When
there is evil in their midst, then it must be surgically removed,
while maintaining the surrounding harmony and unity.
May Leibby Kletzky's soul rise up on high and plead for his brothers
and sisters around the world, who are fed up with all the suffering
that this bitter exile brings... May G-d almighty end the darkness
once and for all!! Bringing our righteous redeemer Moshiach, to
introduce to our entire universe an age of peace, harmony and the
united charge to make this world a dwelling place for G-d himself!
Wishing you all a wonderful Shabbat and looking forward to seeing you soon,
Benny
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