America 250: Revolution and Evolution
Pinchas 5786
The midterms are not too far off on the political horizon which means we will hear a lot about a desire for “change.” Sefer Bemidbar (The Book of Numbers) contains two diametrically opposed methods of effecting change, revolution and evolution.
Korach chose the former and failed; Bnot Zelophehad (The daughters of Zelophehad) chose the latter and succeeded. We are introduced to Korach with the phrase, “and Korach took” which highlights his aggressive revolutionary approach to effecting change. On the other hand, we are introduced to Bnot Zelophehad with the phrase, “and Bnot Zelophehad drew near.” The act of drawing near is an assertive act, highlighting their desire to effect change not through forceful revolution, but peaceful evolution. Because of Bnot Zelophehad’s willingness to work within the halachic (legal) system, by requesting of Moses that they be allowed to inherit – being that their father had died and there were no male heirs – they succeeded in bringing about the change they desired. Had Korach begun with Bnot Zelophehad’s evolutionary approach instead of jumping right to a revolutionary approach, he too might have succeeded in bringing the change he claimed to desire – the lifting up of the nation. The fact that Korach did not have the patience to try the evolutionary approach exposes him for the power-hungry demagogue he was.
However, at times, revolution is necessary. America’s founders, after attempting to resolve tensions with Great Britain in a peaceful evolutionary manner, came to the conclusion that they would have to resort to the more extreme form of affecting change – revolution. The celebration of America’s 250th anniversary is a vindication of that decision. Yet, revolutions can be dangerous, as exemplified by the next great revolution of the 18th century, the French Revolution, which culminated in the Reign of Terror and Napoleonic imperialism.
The fact that the Bnot Zelophehad narrative follows Pinchas’ divinely praised act of zeal, his slaying of Zimri, a Prince of the Tribe of Shimon, and Cozbi, a Midianite princess, for the outrageous affront of having relations in front of the Ohel Moed (Tent of Meeting), serves as a subtle reminder that extreme behavior should be a last resort.
Pinchas is often referred to as a vigilante but such a claim is specious. He only acted after the authorities failed to take the requisite measures to bring an end to the plague that had been consuming Bnei Yisrael (The Children of Israel) for their sin of idolatry at Ba’al Peor. In other words, he stepped up to fill the void in a time of great need and by doing so, saved many lives.
As we look back at our first 250 years, we are reminded that though America was born in revolution, we pray that such extreme measures remain a last resort. At times, individuals may have to fill a void, such as Pinchas did, but that should be the exception to the rule. As a nation, we must continue to strive to evolve as we pursue that “more perfect union” our founders spoke of. May we continue to evolve and may God bless America!
