Necessary Things

Permanence

Guest Contributor Sheldon Kasdan brings insights of Rabbi Shalom Rosner on Parshat Pinchas, regarding Moshe's request for a permanent leader, and G-d's commandment to institute the twice-daily Tamid sacrifice.

Ornamental Purity

Guest Contributor Abe Mezrich, one of our Mishna Yomit teachers, speculates on why ornaments attached to vehicles do not become halachically "impure." Read Abe's Torah Writing newsletter at https://abemezrich.substack.com/

Census With A Twist

Guest Contributor Dr. Rena Selya Cohen explains why the census depicted in Parshat Pinchas is different, with added details and family stories.

The Zealot

Guest Contributor David Nimmer examines the "cliffhanger" of Parshat Balak, followed by the opening of Parshat Pinchas, and explores the Talmudic dispute over whether Pinchas's act of zealotry was justified.

Far And Near

Rabbi Stein shows how the events of Parshat Balak offer two opposite views of the Jewish people, and how both are necessary for a complete picture.