Thought for the Week

This week, we read Parashat Balak, a portion filled with moral tension and ambiguous heroes. Balaam — a foreign prophet hired to curse Israel — finds himself unexpectedly blessing them instead. Though his motives are suspect, his words become immortalised in our liturgy: “Mah tovu ohalecha Yaakov” — How lovely are your tents, O Jacob! (as Siddur Lev Chadash translates).

Right after this episode, we encounter a starkly different figure: Pinchas, whose story concludes next week. In a burst of religious zeal, Pinchas kills an Israelite man and a Midianite woman, halting a plague but igniting deep discomfort. Though God rewards him with a brit shalom, a “covenant of peace,” as my wonderful teacher, Dr Laliv Clenman, taught us at Leo Baeck College, the rabbis were wary of his extremism. They debated his status, questioned his lineage, and cautioned against using his actions as precedent. Looking at the rabbinic responses to the story it is clear that our tradition doesn’t just criticise the religious zealot, it rejects religious zealotry: the Talmud states clearly – acting like Pinchas as a religious zealot is not in accordance with the will of the sages.

Together, Balaam and Pinchas illustrate the complex interplay between intention, action, and consequence. One speaks truth despite conflicted motives; the other acts with certainty but leaves behind unease. The Torah gives us no easy answers — only an invitation to wrestle with nuance.

As we approach the end of the UK voting period for the World Zionist Congress, those of us who are registered to vote, are similarly called upon to reflect on what kind of leadership we wish to elevate. In an age where religious zealotry — whether political or spiritual — threatens to dominate our discourse, we must be vigilant. The story of Pinchas reminds us that passion without restraint can be dangerous. And Balaam reminds us that even flawed voices can speak truth — if we are listening.

Zionism has always contained diverse visions. The Congress gives us the chance to ensure that the future of Zionism is not shaped by zealotry or apathy, but by thoughtful, pluralistic, and courageous engagement. In this moment, the question is not only “who speaks,” but whose voice we choose to amplify. By voting for Our Israel – the joint slate of Progressive and Masorti Judaism – you can help bring about the will of the sages to banish religious zealotry and instead ensure that our values will be elevated at the World Zionist Congress. So, please don’t delay – make sure to cast your vote before voting closes on 10 July at 5pm.

As a democratically elected body, it is in our hands to shape the future of the World Zionist Organisation. Let us not miss the opportunity to bring the best of our commitment to universalism and tolerance into the Zionist discourse.