Dear Friends,

This week in the Torah portion, we meet a bold and passionate figure. Pinchas acts in a moment of crisis with decisive zeal and for this, he receives a surprising reward: not punishment, not exile, but a “covenant of peace” and eternal priesthood.

Why such a reward? The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that Pinchas didn’t act out of anger but out of deep pain and a pure desire to protect the soul of the people. True passion, when guided by love, leads to peace.

There’s a story told of the Alter Rebbe, the founder of Chabad. One bitter winter night, a Chassid traveled hundreds of miles by sleigh to spend Shabbat with him. But the Chassid arrived late just as the Rebbe had already begun the Shabbat meal. Ashamed and cold, the man hesitated at the door.

The Rebbe turned to his assistant and said, “There is someone freezing outside. Go and bring him in.” The Chassid entered, trembling. The Rebbe stood up, smiled, and said, “You have no idea how much Hashem cherishes the effort of one who shows up.”

Pinchas teaches us that spiritual rewards don’t always come to the most polished, but to those with the courage to act for what’s right even when it’s uncomfortable, even when you’re late.

Whether you’re showing up to Shabbat for the first time in months, or lighting a candle when the world feels dark know that G-d sees you, welcomes you, and grants you your reward

Shabbat Shalom,
Rabbi Zushe Cunin