I do not often make bold claims, but I genuinely believe Parashat Pinchas may be one of the most important Torah portions for grandparents.
After weeks of Israel and Jewish communities around the world reading different portions, this Shabbat we are once again united around the same parsha. How fitting that the Torah portion bringing us back together is one that asks, over and over again, a single question:
What will the next generation inherit?
At first glance, Pinchas seems like an unlikely parsha for this conversation. It opens by describing Pinchas, the grandson of Aaron, receiving God's Brit Shalom, a covenant of peace. The Torah intentionally introduces him not simply as Pinchas, but as "Pinchas, son of Elazar, son of Aaron the priest."
Aaron may have died, but his influence had not.
Pinchas did not become another Aaron. Their personalities and actions were very different. Yet somehow, he carried forward his grandfather's legacy, a pursuer of peace, in the way God needed for that moment.
The parsha could have stopped there, but it doesn't.
Instead, the Torah begins asking the same question again and again, each time from a different perspective.
A census is taken so the Land of Israel can be divided as an inheritance among the tribes.
The daughters of Tzelofchad courageously step forward to ensure that their father's inheritance is not lost simply because he had no sons.
Moshe, seeing the next generation preparing to enter the land, asks who will lead after him. Perhaps he hoped his own children would continue his life's work. Instead, God appoints Yehoshua.
Finally, the Torah turns to the festivals, reminding us that every generation inherits not only land or leadership, but sacred rhythms of time itself.
Every few paragraphs, the Torah returns to the same question:
What do we pass from one generation to the next?
As grandparents, it is easy to assume there is a "right" answer.
Perhaps you hope your grandchildren inherit your love of Torah.
Or your commitment to Jewish life.
Perhaps you dream they will cherish your recipes, your family stories, your traditions, your resilience, your generosity, or your sense of humor.
None of those dreams are wrong.
But what strikes me about Parashat Pinchas is that there is no single model of inheritance.
Aaron's inheritance was different from Moshe's.
The tribes inherited differently from Tzelofchad's daughters.
Leadership was passed one way. Land another. Sacred time yet another.
The Torah does not present one ideal legacy.
It presents many.
That is deeply freeing.
Grand Plan has never been about becoming the grandparent someone else thinks you should be. It has always been about becoming the grandparent you want to be.
Because every family is different. Every grandchild is different. And every grandparent has something unique to offer.
Perhaps the most important question is not, "What should grandparents leave behind?"
Perhaps the better question is:
What would be a tragedy if your grandchildren never received this from you?
For one grandparent, the answer may be faith.
For another, hospitality.
For another, courage.
Family stories.
A love of Israel.
Shabbat dinners.
Resilience in difficult times.
Joy.
Or simply the unwavering confidence that they are deeply known and deeply loved.
There is no universal answer.
But there should be an intentional one.
How can you be more intentional in your legacy?:
Joyful. Ask yourself, "What would be a tragedy if my grandchildren never received this from me?" Notice the first answer that comes to mind. It reveals something beautiful about who you are and what you value most.
Intentional. Choose one small way to begin passing that inheritance on this week. Tell a story. Cook a family recipe together. Share a blessing. Start a tradition. Legacy is rarely built through grand gestures. It is built through ordinary moments repeated with love and intention.
Connection. Ask your grandchild, or even your adult child, "What is something about our family that you hope never changes?" Listen with curiosity. Their answer may reveal that your inheritance is already taking root.
Wishing you a Shabbat of joyful, intentional connection,
Rabbanit Sharona Hassan
Founder of Grand Plan
You can sponsor a weekly connection email or Connecting Jewish Grandparents podcast episode.
Use this learning in honor or memory of someone you love.
A parent.
A grandparent.
A child.
Whether celebrating a joyous life-cycle event or honoring the memory of those no longer with us, it is a meaningful way to connect the generations and mark a legacy.
If that speaks to you, I would be honored to include your dedication.https://grandplan.kit.com/profile/sponsorship
Did you listen to the Connecting Jewish Grandparents: The Grand Plan Podcast this week? This was episode #50, marking a full year of Connecting Jewish Grandparents!
Spotify: bit.ly/JewishPodcast
Apple: bit.ly/JewishGrandApple
