Taking Initiative

In this week's parsha we see Pinchas acting when it was most needed that he do so. The chance to turn the tide and bring everyone back to their senses. He could not take the chance that after all the years of waiting his people would disappear through assimilation into a pagan culture. It was the action of one person at the right time that saved the nation. One only need look around to see history repeating itself today. So what is one to do beloved?  

Rabbi Israel Flam, one of the Deans of the Yeshiva of Spring Valley in Monsey, New York made a very significant point in a dvar Torah he wrote this year for his school. It was based on the saying of our Sages that "One who acts with alacrity merits to perform many mitzvos" Rabbi Flam pointed out that running at the last second to leave only just enough time to squeak through on a commandment isn't what was meant when our Sages described a person who acts with alacrity. It is not the ideal to wake up at the last second and rush like a fool to grab the only moment left to do a mitzvah but rather to take the necessary amount of time, proceed carefully, and then see it through.

Pinchas was no hothead, who was rewarded for acting in a rash manner without stopping to think. His was the kind of zealousness honored by the Torah. He came, he saw, he acted but not over a split second of anger or spite but with a heart and mind set to achieve the honor of Heaven. Only a well versed heart and mind worked on with much prior thought and effort can achieve split second results accurately and effectively. There is no better tool that can prepare us for the moments in which we need to act with alacrity than Torah study.

Many of our people live far removed from their Jewish roots, our future depends on a zealous commitment to our heritage. It is the inner conviction that stems from the spark of G*dliness we all possess that will make a lasting impression on others. Intellectual arguments cannot penetrate to the core of another person's heart. Only the heart can speak to and open another's heart, and it is zealous commitment on our part that will help others to discover their own unique Jewish spark. Pinchas was not a leader, but he took the initiative. The same applies to us today. With the confidence that comes from the truth of one's inner conviction, we must all take the initiative and peacefully share the love and beauty of our heritage with our brothers and sisters.

Some lament the times in which we live beloved, but I feel we are living in a time in which we have the opportunity to share all that HaShem has taught us through his Torah. With HaShem's love and grace may we all be up to the task.
 Much emunah and ahavah~Elisheva