1. The Division of the Land in Parshas Pinchas
In this week’s portion, Parshas Pinchas, we read about the division of the land of Israel among the Jewish people after their forty years of wandering in the desert. Before entering Eretz Yisrael, the Torah details how the land was to be divided among all the tribes. This process involved three distinct methods: a lottery, apportionment by population, and inheritance. First, there was a goral—lottery. All pieces of land were written on slips of paper, as were the names of each tribe. A slip with a tribe’s name would be drawn together with a slip for a portion of land, assigning that area to that tribe. This method was not based on logic or rationale; it was arbitrary and beyond reason. Second, there was an apportionment according to population size. Tribes with more people received larger portions, while smaller tribes received less. This is a logical and fair distribution based on need and size. Thirdly, there is the concept of inheritance—yerusha. The Torah emphasizes that these three processes worked together in dividing the land, each representing a different aspect of our relationship with Hashem and His gifts to us.2. The Morning Prayer: Ashreynu and Its Deeper Meaning
Every morning before davening—prayer, we recite “ashreynu, how fortunate we are.” This phrase expresses our gratitude for being chosen by Hashem from among all nations to receive His Torah and mitzvos—commandments. Out of billions in the world, only a small fraction are chosen as Hashem’s children and servants. There is an anecdote about a great rabbi who would dance with joy upon reciting “Baruch atah Hashem shelo asani goy”—blessing God for not making him a Gentile—feeling immense privilege at being chosen to serve Hashem. This sense of fortune is not just about being different but about having a unique relationship with God Himself. The prayer continues with three expressions: “ma tov chelkeinu”—how good is our portion, “manoyim goralenu”—how sweet is our lot (lottery), and “umayofo yerushasenu”—how beautiful is our inheritance. Each phrase reflects a different dimension of our connection to Hashem.3. Portion, Lottery, and Inheritance: Three Levels of Connection
The Rebbe explains these three terms as representing three distinct relationships with Hashem: A “portion” (chelek) refers to what we earn through effort—a transactional relationship similar to buying something. We cannot pay God in money, but through performing mitzvos, we earn His blessings such as health and sustenance. This is an earned connection: if we invest spiritually, Hashem responds in kind. A “lottery” (goral) represents an unearned gift from Hashem—a level where God chooses us regardless of our actions or worthiness. Just as one wins a lottery without logic or merit, so too does Hashem’s love sometimes transcend what we deserve. Even those who may feel undeserving are still part of God’s people by virtue of His choice alone. Finally, “inheritance” (yerusha) signifies an even deeper bond—a unity where the child takes the place of the parent simply by virtue of existence. Even a newborn inherits everything from their parents because they are one entity in essence. Spiritually, this means that at our core, we are truly one with Hashem—not just chosen or rewarded but fundamentally united with Him.4. The Parallel Between Israel and the Jewish People
Just as there are three levels in our relationship with Hashem (portion, lottery, inheritance), so too does Eretz Yisrael relate to us through these dimensions. God chose both His land (Eretz Yisrael) and His people (the Jewish nation). He then gave His chosen land to His chosen people. The division methods reflect this: logical apportionment (portion), lottery (God’s choice), and inheritance (essential unity). The Rebbe emphasizes that these layers deepen both our connection to Hashem and our bond with Eretz Yisrael itself.5. The Musaf Offering: Daily Service Versus Special Occasions
In Parshas Pinchas, all special sacrifices for Shabbos and holidays are listed—these are known as Mussaf—additional offerings brought on top of daily sacrifices during Temple times. Today we commemorate them through the Mussaf prayer on Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh (the new month), and every Chag—festival such as Pesach, Shavuos, Sukkos, Rosh Hashanah, and Yom Kippur. Before Mussaf each day there is Shacharis, which corresponds to the regular daily offering (Tamid shel Shachar). On special days like Shabbos or festivals we add Mussaf as an extra expression unique to that day.6. The Deeper Meaning Behind Daily Offerings
The daily offering (Tamid) represents constant devotion—a relationship with Hashem that never changes regardless of time or circumstance. Whether it’s an ordinary weekday or Shabbos or Yom Tov, this regular service reflects unwavering commitment to God. Mussaf offerings highlight what makes each day unique—elevating it above routine into something special and holy. By adding Mussaf on special days after fulfilling daily obligations through Shacharis (and Mincha for afternoon), we acknowledge both constancy in serving Hashem and opportunities for spiritual elevation tied to sacred times.7. Transforming Ordinary Days Into Holy Ones
Practically speaking, even when life feels routine or mundane—a regular weekday without any apparent holiness—the Torah teaches us how every day can become meaningful through consistent service (Tamid). By engaging in daily prayers like Shacharis and Shema or setting aside time for Torah study amidst ordinary activities, we infuse holiness into every moment. This approach empowers us not only on Shabbos or festivals but throughout all days of the year: every day can be transformed into a moed—a special meeting point between ourselves and Hashem—through dedication and mindful practice rooted in these timeless lessons from Parshas Pinchas.