Num. 25:10 - 30:1
Précis: This parasha begins with a reward for Pinchas’ zealotry in slaying the offending adulterers at the conclusion of the previous parasha. His reward is the hereditary High Priesthood for his family. The parasha continues with a second census conducted by Moses, with war being declared against Midian. The laws of inheritance are amended to provide, at least in certain cases, for daughters to inherit their fathers’ estates. Joshua is appointed the successor to Moses as leader of the People. The parasha then shifts to details of daily sacrifices, offerings for the new moon, and Festivals.
Num. 28:1-2 “And Adonai spoke to Moses saying, ‘Command the children of Israel, and you shall say to them, ‘You shall bring forward my sacrifices to me, my food, for my offering by fire, my pleasant smell, at its appointed time.’”
It should be recalled that the Hebrew word for “sacrifice” (korban) comes from a root meaning to “draw close.” In other words, the sacrificial system was intended to allow the Israelites to “come close” to God.
Some have suggested that God didn’t really want to institute a sacrificial system, but God knew that the People would insist upon it, since it was not only the custom of their ancestors, but was also being practiced by everyone around them.
Do we really believe that God needed “food” or in need of “a pleasant smell?” This concept is obviously anthropomorphic, and it gave the earliest rabbis pause (as it does us today). The Sages’ hesitation increased powerfully when the Second Temple was destroyed, and the sacrificial cult ended. Over time (how much is not clear), prayer was viewed as a substitute for sacrifices. Even the daily prayer services reflected the Temple’s daily sacrificial schedule.
This leads to an inevitable question: if sacrifices did not save Israel more than 1900 years ago, can prayer save it today? I honestly don’t know, because I do not personally understand the efficacy of prayer. To me, prayer is a connection with my tradition and with my community. It provides hope. In these times of danger to Israel and Jews everywhere, I must have hope. So I pray.
