A Lesson on Identity and Integrity | Pinehas 2026

In Shittim, Moav and Midian lure Israel into Baal Peor, triggering a plague and the public rebellion of Zimri with a Midianite princess, until Pinchas spears them and is vindicated by God. A punitive strike against Midian follows, including Bilaam’s death, and Moshe’s fury when captives are brought back, underscoring the need for vigilance, clear identity, and daily self-scrutiny taught by Rambam and Ramhal. Rabbi Dweck has held rabbinic leadership roles in the US and the UK. He is the Rosh Bet Midrash of TheHabura.com and the Rabbi Levy Chair of Jewish Wisdom at the London School of Jewish Studies. For more, check out rabbijosephdweck.com. Instagram:   / rabbidweck   TikTok:   / rabbidweck   Youtube:    / rabbijosephdweck   00:00 Quick Like Subscribe 00:24 Desert Calm Ends 01:18 Border Wars Begin 02:20 Balak Hires Bilaam 03:58 Antisemitism And Jealousy 06:41 Exploiting Human Drives 08:24 Licentiousness Versus Identity 13:12 Leadership Loss And Fatigue 19:45 Shittim Seduction Trap 21:35 Pinchas Takes Action 22:39 Midian Retaliation And Spoils 28:44 Identity Heroes In Pinchas 33:14 Daily Self Scrutiny 36:05 Shabbat Shalom Closing This is generously sponsored by David Tawil for the good health and berachot for the Tawil family and Le’iluy Nishmat Jeremy Smouha - Yirmiyahu de Yehezkel Smouha HaLevi.