Parshas Pinchas

Before Jews entered the Land of Israel, it got divided among the twelve tribes.


As per G-d’s instructions, Moses used two guideleines:


1. Rational: the larger the tribe, the bigger the real estate.
2.  Suprarational: division by drawing lots only.


The Almighty, in His wisdom arranged things in such a way that the two ways of apportioning would not be in conflict.


We need to give thought as to how these teachings impact our lives. Any part of Torah brings out our connection with G-d. This, of course, apllies to everyday living, the Land of Israel and our rights to it. This connection is a result of our efforts to fulfill His Will. This relationship is remisniscent that of a buyer and seller. 


The buyer (a Jew) brings into the store his fulfilled mitzvos and his good deeds. The Seller (G-d) accepts this “currency”  and deals out, in return, healthy chidren,  a good livilihood, and real happiness.  On top of that, He gifts each Jew with their share in the Holy Land. The more is paid in, the stronger the roots.


This type of relationship with G-d  was practically the only and principal one before the Revelation at Sinai and it reflects commonsensical laws: the more we strive to fulfill His Will, the bigger the reward. Or the opposite…


When Sinai happened, G-d chose the Jewish People  and made us His children, His firstborns. Prior to Sinai, our Jewish work was done to the extent that we could do it. Afterwards, at Sinai, G-d permitted “the higher “ to descend to the “lower” and the lower realms to rise to the higher ones.


In other words, if a Jew, through his own efforts, makes an appropriate vessel, then a Divine flow from the highest realms will fill it and the impact is that much greater.  This is akin to the idea of a lottery, he who wins is automatically the chosen one, regardless of  merits or talents.


The Almighty picked the Jews out of His  free will,  which is above reason.
This now means that our actions carry His power and might. And unlike the above-menbttioned parable with a buyer/seller, such type of connecting to G-d looks very much like a gift.  A transaction can only take palce if the full purchase price of an item is put forward.  The purchasing ability depends, of course, on the buyer’s means. With a gift though, it’s a different picture. Even someone of modest means can be gifted with a priceless pocession , such as the Holy Land.  And because it is the Will of the Giver, the Jew will posses this Land for all evernity.




(Based on a sicha by the Lubavitcher Rebbe)