Pinchas and Noach: A Contrast

A thought on Parashas Pinchas

It can be challenging to find a connection between the end of one parashah and the beginning of the next one. I therefore found it interesting that Pinchas in fact is introduced at the end of the previous parashah - Balak. Similarly, we find that Noach is introduced at the end of parashas Bereishis.

We do not find that Yisro is introduced at the end of Beshalach or that Korach is introduced at the end of Shelach. Why are Pinchas and Noach both introduced at the end of their previous parashah and what is the connection between them?

Let’s start from the beginning.

After Adam was exiled from the Garden, he was told by Hashem that the land was cursed and one must sweat and suffer to bring food to the table. All the plants would have thorns on them and be difficult to pick and prepare. This was to be the case until someone is born with a bris milah¹. Noach was born circumcised. When his father Lemech saw this, he realized that this child will bring rest and named him Noach. After Noach’s b…