CANTOR’S CORNER

Cantor Eyal Bitton shares a few thoughts on prayer and the parasha of the week.

2023-07-08 Parashat Pinchas

 

I remember hearing Rabbi Shawn Fields-Meyer speak at Beth Jacob Synagogue in Hamilton, Ontario and describing the Torah as a mirror. That characterization resonated with me as I found it truly insightful and accurate. We do look to Torah to give us perspective on situations we find ourselves in today, be they in our own lives or in the world around us. We also seek affirmation of positions we hold to validate ourselves, our thoughts, and our ideologies.

If you’re on the Left in American politics, you are likely to see the Torah as reflecting and validating your set of beliefs. If you’re on the Right in American politics, the same is true. However, the truth is that the Torah and Jewish tradition as a whole does not fit neatly into modern American divisions of right and left-wing politics. It is a multifaceted and complex system that cannot be easily categorized or compartmentalized.

One example of this complexity can be seen in Parashat Pinchas, which presents a range of perspectives that challenge our preconceptions and assumptions. The parasha begins with the extreme example of Pinchas killing an Israelite man and a Moabite woman for committing a sin that threatened the integrity of the community. This act of violence may seem at odds with modern left-wing ideology, which often emphasizes non-violence and inclusivity. However, it also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the integrity of the community and upholding moral standards, which may resonate with conservative or traditional values.

The parasha also includes the decision to go to war against the Midianites, which can be seen as both an act of self-defense and an example of the use of force to protect the community. Again, this may challenge our preconceptions and assumptions about left and right-wing politics, which often view the use of force differently.

However, the parasha also includes a more “liberal” example of changing the law in favor of Tzelofhad’s daughters, who were previously unable to inherit their father’s property because they were women. This change in the law highlights the importance of gender equality and justice, which are values that are often associated with left-wing political ideology.

These dual perspectives are also manifest in the “Aleinu” prayer, which some argue emphasizes the modern concept of tikkun olam, or repairing the world. This idea suggests that it is the responsibility of every individual to work towards making the world a better place through acts of kindness, compassion, and social justice. This aligns with many of the values that are often associated with left-leaning political ideology. However, the prayer also emphasizes the establishment of the sovereignty of the Almighty and the importance of particularity, not universalism, of Judaism. This may resonate more with conservative or traditional values.

The Torah and Jewish tradition as a whole cannot be easily categorized as left or right-wing. Instead, it presents a multifaceted and complex system that challenges our preconceptions and assumptions. Parashat Pinchas offers a range of perspectives that challenge our modern-day political divisions and highlight the importance of ethical behavior, social responsibility, and spiritual growth. The “Aleinu” prayer also demonstrates the dual perspectives of Jewish tradition, emphasizing both universal values of social justice and particularistic values of Jewish tradition.