What Are the Consequences of Compulsion?

What Are the Consequences of Compulsion?

Torah Portion -Pinchas  (Numbers 25:10 -30:1)

(This portion includes the laws of inheritance, the passage of leadership from Moses to Joshua and offerings.)

What are the consequences of compulsion?

Were the acts pursued for self-interest,

Or was it for the greater good of all?

Therein lies the answer; who and what benefits?

The second census is an accounting

Of the universe of each person’s essence

In his or her generation and then

For generations to come, for all time.

As often said, “a need exists to pause

Between two breaths, two thoughts and two words”,

To formulate what we will think, say and do

In recognition of the Divine presence.

Thus, offerings in service, we bestow

Must acknowledge the presence of conscience.