Are You a Zealot? Maybe You Should Be

Pinchas, the grandson of Aaron the High Priest, saw a public act of immorality that defied G-d’s will and desecrated the sanctity of the Jewish people. While others stood by in shock, Pinchas rose with zeal, taking swift action to stop the wrongdoing. His boldness wasn’t fueled by anger, but by devotion to G-d and a desire to restore sanctity (and sanity). In response, G-d rewarded him with a covenant of peace and eternal priesthood. Pinchas wasn’t the obvious hero. He wasn’t the elder nor a high-ranking leader. He wasn’t even one of the “big names” like Moses or Aaron. And yet, when no one else moved, he acted. While others stood paralyzed, unsure, or unwilling, Pinchas stepped in to right the wrong. And G-d rewarded him with something extraordinary. It’s strange; zealotry usually implies the opposite of peace. However, Pinchas teaches us that when our passion is rooted in truth, not in ego, anger, or drama, then (and only then) our bold actions can actually bring healing. Here’s the kicker: Pinchas didn’t wait for someone “more qualified.” He didn’t say, “Who am I to act when Moses is here?” He didn’t second-guess whether he had the credentials, the title, or the learning. He simply knew that something had to be done and did it. He trusted that G-d had put him there, at that moment, for a reason. Perhaps the sages around him were silent, not because they didn’t care, but because Hashem was waiting to see if someone like Pinchas, a “regular guy”, would rise to the occasion. And he did. We often find ourselves in situations where something isn’t right. It could be in our community, our families, or even within ourselves. And the little voice creeps in: “You’re not the one to fix this. Let someone else step in. You’re not spiritual enough… not wise enough… not strong enough.” But the truth is, it’s all noise. YOU might be the one G-d is counting on. The Rebbe teaches that Pinchas had the soul of Elijah the Prophet, the one who will herald the coming of Moshiach. That means that his boldness wasn’t just about a single act, it was about ushering in a better future. And so is yours. When you respond to a moment of truth with courage and self-sacrifice, you’re not just solving a problem. You’re fulfilling your purpose. You’re bringing light into a dark place. You’re helping usher in the ultimate era of peace. Maybe it’s time for you and me to become zealots. Not angry or destructive ones. One who says: “This matters. I’m going to act. I’m not going to wait for someone else.” Because sometimes, you are the one Heaven is waiting for. Have an amazing Shabbos, Rabbi Kushi Schusterman