Weekly Torah portion
Parascha Pinchas פנחס
Numbers (Bamidbar) · Numbers 25:10-30:1
„Pinchas (the name of Aaron's grandson)"
Summary
The portion begins with G"d granting a covenant of peace to Pinchas. This reward was given for his zealous act of stopping a plague that had struck the Israelites by confronting those who were publicly defying G"d's laws.
A second census is conducted to count the adult men in each tribe. This survey serves as the official basis for dividing the Land of Israel among the families once they cross the Jordan River.
The daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses to request an inheritance in their father's name, leading to a new law of succession. Finally, Moses appoints Joshua as his successor, and the Torah details the schedule of communal offerings.
People
Pinchas
The grandson of Aaron who received a perpetual priesthood for his bold actions.
Moses
The leader who asks G"d to appoint a new successor to guide the nation.
Joshua
The loyal student of Moses who is chosen to be the next leader of Israel.
Eleazar
The High Priest who assists Moses in conducting the census of the tribes.
Mahlah, Noah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Tirzah
The five sisters who successfully petitioned for their family's land rights.
Key commandments (mitzvot)
The Daily Offering · Numbers 28:3
The obligation to offer two lambs every day as a communal sacrifice, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
The Additional Sabbath Offering · Numbers 28:9
On the Sabbath day, an additional (Musaf) sacrifice consisting of two lambs is offered in the Sanctuary.
The New Moon Offering · Numbers 28:11
At the beginning of every Jewish month (Rosh Chodesh), special additional offerings are brought.
Laws of Inheritance · Numbers 27:8
The formal rules determining how property is passed down through families within the tribes.
Full text
Quiz & badge
Answer every question correctly to earn the badge.
1. Why did the daughters of Zelophehad approach Moses?
2. Who was chosen to succeed Moses as the leader of the Israelites?
3. What was the primary purpose of the census in this portion?
4. What reward did Pinchas receive for his actions?