In this week’s Torah Portion we are introduced to Pinchas, the grandson of Putiel. He is better known, later on in the Torah, as Pinchas, son of Elazar, son of Aaron the Priest. (Numbers, 25:11)
… Who was this Putiel? It’s not at all clear. Some commentaries say he was a well-known person in his day. It seems from other commentaries that he didn’t exist at all; that he was a “composite.”
… What’s with the nicknames? Why doesn’t the Torah simply tell us the man’s name?!!…
Additional messages from previous years:
“Abracadabra = MC2” (2010)
“THIS is your Life!” (2009)
“Let the Pharaoh GO!” (2008)
“Frog Beaters” (2006)
“Sorry, PETA, Pig’s Feet Aren’t Kosher!” (2005)
“Life Begins … Today!” (2004)
“I Opened The Door…Where’s Eliyahu??” (2002)
“Not So Loud, the Bread Can Hear You!” (2001)
