1. The Significance of Pinchas and Shiva Asar b'Tamuz
Today is both Parshas Pinchas—the Torah portion of Pinchas—and Shiva Asar b'Tamuz—the 17th of Tamuz, a fast day. The Rebbe had a tradition to reinstate an earlier custom: on fast days, between Mincha and Ma'ariv, the afternoon and evening prayers, he would hold the afternoon prayer early in the day, known as Mincha Gedolah, or at least earlier than usual. During this time, the Rebbe would deliver what he called Divrei Kivushim—serious words appropriate for a fast day. This is rooted in the words of the Navi: “Kiru l'vavchem ve'al l'vigdeychem”—“tear your hearts, not your garments.” The purpose of a fast day is to diminish our physical needs so we can become more sensitive and appreciative of our connection to Hashem. Ultimately, a fast day is about teshuva—return and self-improvement—and these serious words are meant to inspire that process.
2. The Tendency Toward Criticism in Jewish Life
There is a humorous story circulated on Purim about a database collecting volunteers for various synagogue roles: leading Shacharis, Mincha, Ma'ariv, different nusachs like Sfard or Ashkenaz, even for Yom Tov services. One person checked none of those boxes but wrote that he knew how to criticize. He couldn’t lead prayers but was ready to critique those who did. This joke highlights a real tendency within communities: people often find it easier to criticize than to contribute positively.
This theme connects directly to Pinchas’s story in the parsha. Pinchas took bold action in front of Moshe Rabbeinu and all Israel by killing Zimri, a leader among the people who had sinned publicly. Many were critical of Pinchas’s actions, as Rashi notes: “Harisan ben Putti, did you see this fellow? His grandfather fattened calves for idolatry, and now he kills a leader of Israel!” They questioned his motives, suggesting he was simply hostile or looking for an opportunity to attack someone under the guise of zealotry.
3. Judging Motives Versus Judging Actions
The Rebbe addresses this tendency to question others’ motives even when their actions are positive. How often do we see someone do something good and immediately suspect ulterior motives? Even when someone’s deeds appear beautiful, we may find fault or assume insincerity.
The Rebbe brings from his sicha in Lekutei Sichos (volume 8) that even when there seems to be convincing proof that someone’s motives are impure—as with Pinchas—we are still mistaken if we judge them negatively. The lesson is clear: whenever we are tempted to find fault with another person’s good deeds or question their intentions, we must remember that only Hashem knows what is truly in someone’s heart. So long as a person is doing good, they should not be mocked or put down.
The Rebbe further teaches that even if it were true that someone had ulterior motives, Jewish tradition tells us always to study Torah and perform mitzvos even for the wrong reasons (shelo lishmah) because eventually this leads to doing them for the right reasons (lishmah). Therefore, if someone does something positive, give them credit rather than second-guessing their intentions.
4. The Roots of Criticism: Pride and Insecurity
The Rebbe goes deeper by asking why people are so inclined to criticize others who do good things instead of giving them credit. In the case of Pinchas, those who criticized him claimed holy intentions—they said they were defending Moshe Rabbeinu’s honor because Pinchas acted independently while Moshe was present.
This pattern echoes other episodes in Jewish history, such as Korach’s rebellion against Moshe Rabbeinu. Korach claimed he was acting for the honor of all Israel rather than personal offense, yet his campaign was rooted in jealousy and self-interest masked as communal concern.
The Rebbe explains that sometimes people imagine they have low tolerance for others’ pride because they themselves are humble. They find it distasteful when another person feels satisfaction from their accomplishments. In reality, however, it is often pride on the part of the critic—a discomfort with seeing someone else achieve what they have not.
This pride makes it easier for a person to remain lazy rather than be inspired by another’s accomplishments. By putting down others’ good deeds, they protect their own ego from being challenged or motivated toward self-improvement.
5. Constructive Action Versus Destructive Criticism
The Rebbe concludes with an important lesson: even if someone performs mitzvos with some degree of haughtiness or showmanship, at least they are honest about their pride and not concealing it behind false humility or righteous indignation. The critic who cloaks his own pride in supposed humility is being dishonest with himself and others.
The message is clear: it is far wiser to be an activist than a critic. A little pride accompanying positive action is less damaging than destructive criticism born out of insecurity or laziness. Ultimately, a good deed remains good regardless of intention—and criticism motivated by pride only serves to diminish both parties.