Parshas Pinchas for Kids

פרשת פנחס

Pinchas acts and is given a bris shalom. The people are counted again, the daughters of Tzelafchad ask for their portion and are answered, and Yehoshua is chosen to lead.

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What happens in Parshas Pinchas

Hashem rewards Pinchas, the grandson of Aharon HaKohen, with a bris shalom, a covenant of peace, because he stood up for Hashem's honor at a time when others were doing wrong. Then Bnei Yisrael are counted once more, shevet by shevet, as they prepare to enter Eretz Yisrael and divide the land among the families.

The five daughters of Tzelafchad come before Moshe Rabbeinu. Their father had no sons, and they ask for a portion in the land. Rashi explains that they loved Eretz Yisrael just as their ancestor Yosef did. Moshe asks Hashem, and Hashem answers that they spoke rightly. Moshe then asks Hashem to choose a leader who will care for the people like a shepherd, and Hashem chooses Yehoshua, Moshe's faithful student. The parsha ends with the korbanos for every Shabbos, Rosh Chodesh, and Yom Tov of the year.

Lessons and middos for children

  • Caring about Hashem's honor

    Pinchas cared deeply about what Hashem wants. A child can choose to do what is right even when others do not.

  • Asking respectfully

    The daughters of Tzelafchad asked politely and trusted Moshe and Hashem with the answer. We can ask for things the right way.

  • Loving Eretz Yisrael

    The daughters of Tzelafchad longed for a share in the land. We can love Eretz Yisrael and daven for it.

Questions for the Shabbos table

  1. What did the daughters of Tzelafchad ask Moshe Rabbeinu?
  2. Why do you think Moshe asked Hashem to choose a leader like a shepherd?
  3. How do you ask for something politely when you really want it?
  4. What makes someone a good leader?

How your child steps into the story

Your child stands at the entrance of the Ohel Moed as the daughters of Tzelafchad bring their question, and is there when Moshe Rabbeinu places his hands on Yehoshua. The story closes looking ahead to Parshas Matos and the shevatim who ask to stay across the Yarden.