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Continuity – That’s the concept that is embodied in multiple levels in the Torah reading of Pinchas. The experience of Israel in the desert is coming to a close, but the desecration of Zimri and Cozbi threatens everything, Pinchas’ swift and certain response guarantees the continuity the sanctity of Israel. The daughters of Tzelaphchad and the designation of Yehoshua to succeed Moshe as leader of Israel naturally follow Pinchas’ heroic act. The parasha concludes with a description of the Tamid offering, the sanctification of continuity itself, in the service of the Holy Temple. Shabbat Shalom.
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