1. The Uniqueness of Pinchas’ Reward
Pinchas stands out in this week’s parsha for his extraordinary actions that saved the Jewish people. As a reward, God made him into a kohen—a priest. This is striking because, traditionally, becoming a kohen is not something one can achieve through effort or merit; it is an inherited status. The story of Pinchas challenges this norm and raises the question: how could kehuna—priesthood—be given as a reward?2. The Classic Joke: You Can’t ‘Make’ a Kohen
There is an old joke that illustrates this point. A congregant approaches his rabbi, offering increasingly large donations to the synagogue if only the rabbi will make him a kohen. Despite the generous offers, the rabbi insists he cannot do it. Finally, after being offered $25,000, the rabbi jokingly agrees to “make” him a kohen. When asked why he wants it so badly, the man replies that his father and grandfather were both kohanim, so he wants to be one too. The punchline underscores that kehuna is not something you can earn or buy—if you are born a kohen, you are one; if not, no amount of Torah study or good deeds will change that.3. Pinchas’ Case: An Exception to the Rule
Given this background, our parsha presents an anomaly: Pinchas was not born a kohen, yet God rewarded him by making him one. How could this be? The answer lies in understanding what made Pinchas’ actions so unique. He did not simply perform an ordinary mitzvah or act of Torah study; he acted in a way that was completely beyond expectation and reason. He stood up for God’s honor when everyone else was silent and passive.4. Going Beyond Reason: Mesiras Nefesh and Its Rewards
The Rebbe explains that Pinchas’ service was beyond logic and rationale—mesiras nefesh, self-sacrifice for Hashem’s honor. This type of devotion is not just about fulfilling commandments but about transcending personal limits for something higher. The Rebbe draws a parallel to his own father-in-law, the previous Rebbe, who faced severe opposition from the Soviet government in their efforts to eradicate Judaism. Despite grave danger and risk to his life—when halakhically one would not be required to endanger oneself for such matters—the previous Rebbe stood firm and ultimately succeeded.5. Yud Bez-Yud Gimel Tammuz: A Modern Example of Courage
This past week marked Yud Bez-Yud Gimel Tammuz, commemorating the previous Rebbe’s release from Soviet imprisonment for his efforts to keep Judaism alive under persecution. His actions mirrored those of Pinchas: standing up against overwhelming odds with courage and faith beyond reason.6. Supernatural Rewards for Superrational Actions
Because Pinchas acted in such an extraordinary way—beyond all logic and expectation—his reward was also extraordinary and supernatural: Hashem made him into a kohen. This teaches us that when we dig deep within ourselves and act from the essence of our soul, we can receive blessings and salvation from God in ways far beyond what seems possible or deserved.7. Applying the Lesson: Elevating Our Actions
The lesson from Pinchas is relevant in our own lives as well. Sometimes we feel stuck or believe certain things are out of reach. But if we find it within ourselves to go beyond our perceived limitations, we may merit help and blessings from Hashem in truly remarkable ways.8. Remembering Loved Ones Through Extra Mitzvahs
When observing a yahrzeit—a loved one’s memorial day—it is especially meaningful to become more emotionally involved and strive to live with their memory by performing extra mitzvahs on their behalf. These additional merits benefit both ourselves and the souls of those we remember.