בס "דI

Integrare la Torah nella propria vita attraverso la riflessione e la conversazione può essere un'esperienza incredibilmente divertente e coinvolgente. È un viaggio di scoperta, dove l'antica saggezza e gli insegnamenti senza tempo prendono vita nelle nostre esperienze quotidiane. Attraverso la riflessione, abbiamo l'opportunità di immergerci in profondità nel ricco arazzo della Torah, estraendo profonde intuizioni e lezioni che risuonano con le nostre vite moderne. La gioia sta nei momenti "aha", quei casi in cui un versetto o una storia della Torah si collegano improvvisamente alle nostre sfide personali, alle nostre aspirazioni e ai nostri valori. E quando ci impegniamo in conversazioni sulla Torah con altri, diventa un'esplorazione interattiva, in cui prospettive e interpretazioni diverse migliorano la nostra comprensione. Questi dialoghi spesso accendono l'entusiasmo e la curiosità intellettuale, rendendo il processo di apprendimento piacevole e appagante. La Torah diventa una parte vibrante e dinamica della nostra vita, offrendo non solo una guida ma anche una fonte di fascino, connessione e crescita infinita.

NOTA: Non sentitevi obbligati a consultare tutte le fonti o a rispondere a tutte le domande, a meno che non vogliate farlo. Anche una sola fonte o una sola domanda vi fornirà molto materiale per la discussione e la meditazione. Buon divertimento!

Some thoughts about Parshat Pinchas

“Harass the Midianites and smite them; for they harass you with their schemes, luring you into Peor worship.”
(Numbers 25:17–18)

In this week’s Torah portion, G-d commands Moses not only to defeat the Midianites in battle but also to maintain a mindset of opposition toward them. This is unusual. In most cases, Torah laws of war focus on defense, justice, or survival—not emotional orientation. Yet here the Israelites are specifically told to cultivate an attitude of resistance toward the Midianites because of the spiritual danger they posed.

Why this focus on hatred? Why is Midian different from Egypt, Edom, or other historical enemies of Israel?

The Spiritual Threat Beyond Physical War

The answer lies in the nature of the attack. Midian’s strategy was not military but moral. Their aim was to destroy Israel’s connection to G-d by tempting them into sexual immorality and idol worship. According to tradition, this was orchestrated by Balaam, who realized that Israel could not be cursed or defeated directly. Instead, he advised the Midianites and Moabites to lure the Israelites into corrupt behavior, knowing that this would cause spiritual collapse from within.

This was not merely a cultural difference. It was a deliberate attempt to sever Israel’s relationship with the Source of life itself.

The Slonimer Rebbe explains that kedusha—holiness—begins with setting boundaries in intimate matters. When a society breaks down those boundaries, it erodes faith in G-d. The Midianite tactic was to use immorality as the gateway to idolatry, and once that connection was broken, everything else fell apart.

This is why the Torah commands not just military retaliation but emotional vigilance. To “harass” Midian means to maintain an awareness of who your true spiritual enemies are—not merely people, but ideologies and influences that work to separate humanity from the Divine.

Responsibility: Individual and Cultural

Of course, personal accountability remains central. Every person is responsible for their own actions. The Israelites who fell into idolatry were punished for their own choices. But Torah wisdom also recognizes the power of culture and environment. Societies create conditions that make certain choices easier or harder. If a culture normalizes addiction, promiscuity, violence, or cruelty, individuals living in that culture face greater spiritual risks. That culture shares the blame.

Today, the same question remains relevant. Are the influences around us promoting spiritual growth, dignity, and closeness to G-d—or do they pull us in the opposite direction? Are we too quick to make peace with ideas and behaviors that actually separate us from what matters most?

The Goodness of Closeness to G-d

King David wrote, “As for me, closeness to G-d is good.” (Psalms 73:28) This isn’t just a religious statement—it’s a description of human flourishing. According to Jewish tradition, the purpose of life is to draw closer to G-d by living in alignment with His values. That applies to Jews and to righteous Gentiles alike.

Il Derech Hashem (Path of G-d) by Rabbi Moshe Chaim Luzzatto emphasizes that every person is created for this closeness. We achieve it by refining our character, cultivating compassion, seeking justice, and holding fast to morality even when the world around us suggests otherwise.

For Noahides: A Universal Lesson

While the specific commandments about Midian and Israelite nationhood do not apply to Noahides, the core message does. Every human being has a relationship with the Creator. That relationship can be strengthened or weakened by the environments we choose and the influences we allow into our lives.

This does not mean cultivating hate for people. It means learning to recognize when cultural forces—media, trends, ideologies—are toxic to the soul, and having the courage to oppose them. We must not allow our spiritual sensitivities to be dulled by the normalization of what’s harmful.

Ora, riflettete sulle seguenti domande:

  1. What ideas or cultural trends around me encourage distance from G-d rather than closeness?
  2. Do I maintain moral boundaries in areas that society pressures me to blur?
  3. How do I balance compassion for individuals with resistance to harmful ideologies?
  4. Do I actively cultivate spiritual growth, or do I drift along with the culture?
  5. What daily practice can I add to strengthen my connection with the Divine?

May we all be blessed to pursue a life of true meaning, to guard our spiritual integrity, and to walk in closeness with G-d, day by day.

Shabbat Shalom!

PDF

Shabbat Shalom!

Di Rabbi Tani Burton

Se volete altre domande per la contemplazione, VEDI GLI ALTRI BLOG DI RABBI TANI BURTON SULLE DOMANDE DELLA PARSHAT

© Copyright, tutti i diritti riservati. Se questo articolo vi è piaciuto, vi invitiamo a diffonderlo ulteriormente.

I nostri blog possono contenere testi/citazioni/riferimenti/link che includono materiale protetto da copyright di Mechon-Mamre.org, Aish.com, Sefaria.org, Chabad.orge/o AskNoah.orgche utilizziamo in conformità alle loro politiche.