The Blogs: Stepping Up

In last week’s parsha, Parshat Balak, the Torah reading concluded with Moavite and Midianite women seducing Jewish men and enticing them to idol worship.

Not a great look, considering the Midianite king had just tried to curse Bnei Yisrael, instead, HaShem forces Bilam to bless Bnei Yisrael, and now, (some of) the People give into their basest urges.

At that point, Pinchas, unfazed and determined, executes Zimri, a fellow Jewish leader, along with Kuzbi, a Midianite princess with whom he was copulating in public.

This week’s parsha opens with HaShem’s Praising Pinchas, and rewarding his bravery by granting priesthood to him and his descendants. HaShem then Commands Bnei Yisrael to punish the Midianites by eradicating them.

That’s why HaShem Blesses Pinchas with a brit shalom (Numbers:25:12).

Seemingly unrelated, later in the parsha when the nachalot (land apportionments) are being given out, the daughters of Tzelofchad approach Moshe stating that their father had died leaving behind only daughters: Machla, Noa, Chugla, Meelka and Tirtza.

They mention that their father was not a rebel with Korach, and ask why their father should lose out on a portion of Land just because he had not had a son.

Moshe asks HaShem and HaShem responds “kain not Tzelofchad dovrot naton titain lahem achuzat nachala b’toch achei avihem, v’ha’avarta nachalat avihen lahen”

HaShem agrees to Tzelofchad‘s daughters’ request.

Sometimes, people take things for granted, and it takes a strong, determined voice to make things right.

To make things the way that HaShem would Want it.

Today marks the 35th anniversary of the passing of the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

It’s easy to take access for granted — unless you don’t have it.

The ADA didn’t fix everything, but it start to open doors. Literally and figuratively.

As someone who is unfortunately confined to my motorized wheelchair, I know how meaningful it is to move through the world with access and dignity.

To have freedom of movement.

To be seen.

Access of being able to go to the bathroom when you need to.

Access of being comfortable during the night.

Accessibility of people’s understanding your lack of access.