While we should not have baseless hatred towards one another, we should stand up for what is right and hate evil and evil doers.

In this week's portion we get to the division of the Land of Israel among the tribes. That within each tribe they divided the land among the families. The Torah is emphasizing the concept of private property. That your land is yours and that it cannot be taken away by the government.

As we end the Book of Numbers we are preparing to enter the Land of Israel. Up until now God took care of our every need. Now it is time for us to show God that we are able to stand up and take care of ourselves.

The commandment to destroy Midian was not one of revenge. It was to mete out justice for the evil that Midian had meant to commit against the Torah and the Jewish people. That is why it was so harsh.

The Torah places a lot of importance on keeping your word. The reason is that society is based on our word. We have to trust one another in business, in law, in all forms of dealings with each other. Without this society would break down.

When we look at the foundation of the USA we cannot help but see the Biblical influences. Also, we Jews are grateful that the USA was the first country that would treat Jews as equal citizens.

The 17th of Tamuz is the beginning of the three weeks that we mourn the loss of the Temples in Jerusalem. The rabbis point out that both the first and second Temples were destroyed because people did not treat each other with respect.

The daughters of Zelophahad knew that there was problem, but instead of yelling and causing a ruckus, they approached Moses with respect. That way they could speak with him and achieve their goal.

God commands Moses that he choose Joshua as the next leader. Moses never brings up the fact that he has two sons. Moses knows that, while his sons were good men, they were not leadership material. Joshua was.

Pinchas took drastic action in killing Zimri and Cozby. He knew that they presented a clear and present danger to the Jewish people. That is why God gave him the blessing of peace. To show all that his action was necessary and proper.