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How could Pinchas consult with Moshe before acting if kanoi pog'im bo requires immediate zealous action without Beit Din consultation? Rashi (רש"י)'s use of 'miyad' reveals that true kanui means acting exactly as God would act, not from personal religious emotion. Even perfect l'shem shamayim intentions cannot justify wrong methods.
Rabbi Yeshaya Greenberg ZT"L examines the incident of Pinchas killing Zimri and Cozbi, focusing on a fundamental question raised by Rashi (רש"י)'s commentary. While the Torah (תורה)'s verses suggest Pinchas saw the transgression and immediately acted, Rashi describes a more complex narrative where Pinchas first remembered the halacha (הלכה), consulted with Moshe Rabbenu, and only then acted. The rabbi questions how this reconciles with the concept of kanoi pog'im bo, where a zealot must act immediately without consulting Beit Din. The analysis centers on Rashi's insertion of the word 'miyad' (immediately) after Pinchas's consultation with Moshe, which seems contradictory if there was a conversation beforehand. Rabbi Yeshaya Greenberg ZT"L explains that Rashi derives this entire narrative from the word 'vayar' (and he saw), which implies contemplation rather than just seeing. Pinchas saw not only the transgression but also that Moshe was not acting, which caused him to pause and seek clarification.
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Parshas Pinchas
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