Machshavot HaLev - Yeshivat Lev HaTorah

196
בלה תובשחמ
situation of kana’in pogin bo – his situation by definition does not relate to the
domain of the court – the general framework of halacha.
This definition of hora’at sha’ah helps Rav Kook explain the difference between
Pinchas and Nadav and Avihu. Nadav and Avihu assumed that expressing their
uniqueness and individuality was more ideal than serving God through the
uniform instructions of halacha. From their perspective, halacha is for people too
lazy to express themselves. They were wrong. Halacha is always about subjecting
one’s individuality and uniqueness to the demands of the will of God. Pinchas’
act was the ultimate expression of this value. His awareness of the will of God,
and not his own personal perspective, guided his radical act. Pinchas represents
our commitment to a life lived in service to God, directed by God’s will, as best
we understand it.