BackZealotry and Peace
By: Rabbi Dr. Abraham Unger
One might think that an extreme action has no place in peace-seeking. Fanatical behavior, it seems, cannot create an environment that builds the trust needed for compromise. Yet, the Torah tells a tale of zealotry this week for which it clearly holds admiration. A character named Pinchos acts in the most zealous fashion, yet he receives reward. How can this be?
Pinchos saw a depth of immorality he could not brook. Moses was frozen, having forgotten the law. Pinchos jumped in and literally saved the Jewish people and its tradition from an idolatry so subversive that all would have been lost. This prospective loss is made that much greater given it could have happened in the freedom of the desert, not in the slavery of Egypt. Pinchos is even given a special covenant of peace by G-d, though his actions caused loss.
What does this covenant of peace mean? Pinchos was a Cohen, a grandson of Aaron, Moses’ older brother and the first High Priest of the Jewish people. Aaron’s own life was lived as a “Rodef Shalom,” a pursuer of peace. He even took upon himself the tragic trespass of the Golden Calf to avoid conflict. Pinchos went in the opposite direction – that of fervor and refusal to accept the norm – to regain peace among the Children of Israel. His aim was to honor our Torah, honor its adherents, and ensure its longevity.
We live in a world of starkly opposing views to which many cling zealously. Each cohort seems to have its absolute truths. Judaism says, “Not so fast.” Each situation is different, each context demands its own resolution, so let us not become fixed in our ways. Pinchos chose one way, that of quick passionate response, while others may choose more dispassionate, slower-moving ways of making change. However, as long as all seek to bring people even closer together, with a shared sense of honor and purpose, the cause of peace—the covenant of “Shalom” that Pinchos was granted—holds steady and true.