This week's portion Pinchas, opens with a special reward and blessing given to Pinchas.
In last week's portion we read how the Jewish people were enticed to sin at the advice of the wicked Bilaam. The stupor of sin was so great that the prince of the tribe of Shimon, Zimri publicly challenged Moshe as to the status of he woman he wanted to be intimate with. Of course, Moshe told him that since the Torah was given, a person had to convert to Judaism in order to become a permissible mate. When he proceeded to do what he wanted, Pinchas arose from the crowd and "zealously" killed Zimri and the woman Kosbi. The plague that had broken out came to an end as a result of his actions.
In this portion of Pinchas, he is rewarded with a covenant of Shalom (peace) for stooping the public abomination. A simple person doing something great.
This weekend we celebrate July 4th, America's Independence Day. Lest we forget some important history, in 1776 the framers and signers of the constitution were traitors. Those that wanted to see freedom and liberty were considered radicals. But they persisted and fought for what they believed in. Their courage and vision shaped the greatness of the USA - a place where we are free to live, worship, and respects our inalienable rights. Once again, simple people doing great things.
This weekend also marks the first Yahrtzeit (anniversary of passing) of the 130 beautiful souls who died in the July 4th Hill Country floods. It's hard to imagine that just last summer, we were on the front lines of a massive natural catastrophe, just minutes from Boerne. In those days and weeks, the amazing police, fire, EMS, emergency responders, volunteer rescue squads, and thousands of citizens that helped in any and every way possible, was truly extraordinary. Once again, simple people, doing amazing things.
As we go into this Shabbat and national 250th anniversary of the founding of our great country, lets not forget that while not perfect, we live in a country that is blessed in so many ways. Each of us has the opportunity to do amazing things, even though we may be simple people.
Shabbat Shalom and Happy 4th of July!
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