Parashat Pinchas features three distinct sections that seemingly have nothing to do with one another.
After his violent act ended the plague that struck the Children of Israel for their sin with the women of Moab, Pinchas received a covenant of peace from God. What? Peace for such a man of war?
The portion continues with the story of the five daughters of Zelophehad who approached Moshe to receive their inheritance in the land of Israel.
Finally, the portion details certain holiday rituals.
The famous Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that these three stories were connected: as the Children of Israel prepared to enter the Promised Land, they needed to understand that life in Israel requires sacrifice. Pinchas’s bold deed demonstrated his willingness to sacrifice himself for his people. The daughters of Zelophehad showed their determination to inherit the land of Israel. Finally, the holiday rituals remind us of why the Children of Israel were to enter the Promised Land: to serve God.
Shabbat Shalom!