The name of the Parshah, "Pinchas," refers to a man, who zealously avenged G‑d’s name. 

Aaron’s grandson Pinchas is rewarded for his act of zealotry in killing the Simeonite prince Zimri and the Midianite princess who was his paramour: G‑d rewards him.

A census of the people counts 601,730 men between the ages of twenty and sixty. Moses is instructed on how the Land is to be divided. The five daughters of Tzelafchad petition that they be granted the portion of the land belonging to their father.

Moses empowers Joshua to succeed him.

The Parshah concludes with a detailed list of the daily offerings, and special festival offerings.

Next Shabbat is Rosh Chodesh Av. 

Av  literally means “father.” It is customary to add the name “Menachem,” which means “comforter” or “consoler”—so Menachem Av.

In this month, both TempleRosh Chodesh Avs were destroyed and many other tragedies occurred. Yet our Father in heaven is there to comfort and console us.

Av includes a “low point” on the Jewish calendar—the Ninth of Av, the day of the sin of the spies, and the destruction of both the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem. But it also incorporates a “high point”: the 15th of AvMenachem Av, a day designated for finding one’s predestined soulmate, and one of the happiest days on the Jewish calendar

In this weeks Parsha, we learn about two groups of people that stood up against the masses.
Pinchas. Pinchas saw the Prince Zimri sinning with the Mideonite princess. Although no one else was reacting with action, pinchas knew what needed to be done and killed them both
The daughters of Selafchad wanted a portion of the land of Israel. Because  their father didn’t have any sons, they didn’t want the land to be lost. They asked Moshe if they can inherit the land.
In both cases, they were rewarded by Hashem. This teaches us that when we do the right thing for the right reasons, we make Hashem happy and he repays us for that.

The three weeks between the 17th of Tammuz and the 9th of Av are a period of mourning. We don’t listen to music or cut our hair. Yet this time is also an auspicious time to do extra good deeds to bring the Final redemption with the Third Beit Hamikdash which will last forever. 

‍

It says that Pinchas is Eliyahu Hanavi.  The following is a beautiful story about Eliyahu 

‍

A chassid went to the Baal Shem Tov in Mezhibuzh and said, “Rebbe, I want to see Elijah the Prophet.”

The Baal shem tov told him to get two boxes and fill one with food and the other with children’s clothes. Then, before Rosh Hashanah, travel to Minsk. On the outskirts of town, is a dilapidated house. Find that house, stand there for a while and listen. Then, knock on the door and ask for hospitality.”

So he went and did as the Baal Shem Tov told him. He took food and clothing and found the house. He stood and listened. Inside, he heard children crying, “Mommy, we’re hungry. And it’s Yom Tov and we don’t even have decent clothes to wear!” He heard the mother answer, “Children, trust in G‑d. He’ll send Elijah the Prophet to bring you everything you need!”

Then the chassid knocked on the door. When the woman opened it, he asked if he could stay with them for the holiday. “Don’t worry,” he said, “I have enough food for all of us.” He came in, opened the box, gave the children the food. Then he opened the other box and the children all took clothes for themselves. He was there for two days, waiting to see Elijah.  But he saw no one.

So he returned to the Baal Shem Tov and said, “Master, I did not see Elijah the Prophet!” “Did you do everything I told you?” asked the Baal Shem Tov. “I did!” he said. “And you didn’t see him?” “No, Rebbe.” “Are you sure?” “Yes, Rebbe! I didn’t see him!” “Then you’ll have to return for Yom Kippur,” said the Baal Shem Tov.

So he went back to Minsk before Yom Kippur. This time, he went earlier and stood in front of the door, listening. Inside he heard children crying, “Mommy, we’re hungry! We haven’t eaten the whole day! How can we fast for Yom Kippur?” “Children!” said the mother. “Do you remember you were crying before Rosh Hashanah that you had no food or clothes? And I told you, ‘Trust in G‑d! He’ll send Elijah the Prophet, who’ll bring you food and clothing and everything else you need!’ Wasn’t I right? Didn’t Elijah come and bring you food and clothing? He stayed with us for two days! Now you’re crying again that you’re hungry. I promise you that Elijah will come now, too, and bring you food!”

Then the chassid understood what his master, the Baal Shem Tov, had meant. And he knocked on the door.

‍

‍